An opinion editorial, or op-ed, is a powerful tool for shaping public conversation and influencing decision-makers. Published in newspapers or online outlets, op-eds allow advocates to share personal stories, highlight key issues, and make a compelling case for change. Because competition for attention is high, op-eds should feature strong, persuasive voices and well-reasoned arguments. Whether calling for policy change or raising awareness, op-eds can connect with readers on an emotional level and inspire action. A well-placed op-ed can reach legislators, journalists, and the broader community, making it a valuable advocacy tool.
Every outlet has different submission guidelines. In most cases, the outlet will have a limit on word count (usually around 500-700 words). Submissions must also be original and exclusive to that outlet. This can usually be found on the media outlet’s website under the Opinion section.
Tips for writing and placing an effective op-ed:
- Choose the Right Signer – A well-known or credible voice, such as a community leader, expert, or advocate, can increase your op-ed’s chances of being published and taken seriously.
- Get to the Point – Stick to one main point, and make it early. Keep your argument focused, and back it up with facts, examples, and data (if available).
- Write conversationally – Avoid jargon, fancy words, and slang. Your op-ed must be understandable to the general public, including people that may have no knowledge of the issue or your campaign. It is generally accepted for accessibility that information should be written at a 6th-grade reading level or lower. You can check how accessible your op-ed is here.
- Make it Persuasive and Relatable – Use compelling stories and strong reasoning to engage readers and drive action. Tell readers why they should care and what they can do.
- Time Your Submission Strategically – Plan ahead and submit your op-ed when it’s most relevant to current events or public conversations.
- Be Prepared for Edits and Follow-Ups – Editors may request revisions, and if you don’t hear back within 48 hours, follow up or consider submitting elsewhere.
Below are sample op-eds you can use to call for paid family and medical leave policies, including for campaigns working on an incremental approach, like paid leave for state and local government employees. Use the messages to build a clear and compelling case and specific ask of your readers.
Download the Customizable Op-Ed Template Expressing Support for Paid Leave for All Employees Download the Customizable Op-Ed Template Expressing Support for Paid Leave for State and Local Government EmployeesExample: Op-Ed – Paid Leave for All Employees
Title: Paid Leave is Essential for Babies, Families, and Our Economy
[Offer a short, snappy headline. A good headline gives readers a preview of what your op-ed has to say. Keep in mind that some news outlets will write their own headlines, regardless of what you submit.]
Open with a clear, strong summary of your case: We all want babies to grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive. The first three years of life are a critical period for brain development, setting the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning and social, emotional, and physical health. Yet, too many parents and caregivers are forced to choose between caring for their children and keeping their jobs. The lack of guaranteed paid family and medical leave policy leaves millions of families—especially those in low-wage jobs—without the support they need during this critical stage or development.
[Customize: Write a specific, declarative summary of the case and the ask you are making. This sets up the rest of the piece—and if a reader doesn’t get farther than the first paragraph, they get the point.]Present your specific problem: The problem is clear: lack of paid leave harms babies, parents, and communities. Less than a third of workers in the U.S. have access to paid family and medical leave through their employers. This means that far too many new parents—especially Black and Hispanic/Latino/a families, who are disproportionately affected by economic instability—must return to work before they or their child are ready. Research shows that when parents can’t take time off, it increases maternal stress, disrupts critical infant medical visits, and leads to worse health outcomes for both parents and babies.
[Customize by sharing a local/relevant situation, as broadly relatable as possible, that illustrates how lack of paid leave harms infants and toddlers.]Share what works: Fortunately, we know what works. Paid leave improves infant and maternal health, reducing preterm births, supporting breastfeeding, and lowering postpartum depression. It also strengthens family financial stability, reducing the need for public assistance and helping parents stay in the workforce long term. States that have implemented paid leave programs—such as California, Colorado, and New York—demonstrate that these policies benefit not just families, but also businesses and the economy. Paid leave increases employee retention, reduces turnover costs, and creates a stronger, more productive workforce.
[Customize by inserting evidence to support your argument. Evidence may include reports/studies, data, personal or professional experience, case studies, and stories.]Press for a solution & CTA: We have an opportunity to build a national system that works for all families. A comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy should ensure that every parent—no matter where they work or how much they earn—has the time and financial stability to care for their newborn or adopted child. It should be funded sustainably, through small payroll contributions from employers, employees, or both, just as successful state programs have done.
[Customize by inserting your specific policy/funding or proof point/focus.]Strong closing: Too many parents are going it alone because our systems of support are falling short. We must change that. Every baby deserves a strong start, and every parent deserves the peace of mind to provide it. It’s time to make paid family and medical leave a national priority.
[Customize by referencing your opening and ending on a hopeful/forward looking note.]Example: Op-Ed – Paid Leave for State and Local Government Employees
Title: Public Employees in [STATE or CITY] Deserve Paid Family Leave
[Offer a short, snappy headline. A good headline gives readers a preview of what your op-ed has to say. Keep in mind that some news outlets will write their own headlines, regardless of what you submit.]
Open with a clear, strong summary of your case: We live up to our country’s promise when we ensure that all babies get a strong, healthy start. The first three years of life are a time of rapid brain development, laying the foundation for learning, relationships, and long-term health. But less than a third of state and local government workers in the United States—public servants who help keep our communities running—have access to paid family and medical leave.
[Customize: Write a specific, declarative summary of the case and the ask you are making. This sets up the rest of the piece—and if a reader doesn’t get farther than the first paragraph, they get the point.]Present your specific problem: That means that when a baby is born, a loved one falls ill, or a personal medical emergency arises, millions of workers are forced to choose between their paycheck and caring for themselves or their families.
[Customize by sharing a local/relevant situation, as broadly relatable as possible, that illustrates how lack of paid leave harms infants and toddlers: e.g., A teacher returning to the classroom two weeks postpartum, or a state employee forced to deplete retirement savings to care for a child with cancer.]Share what works: Fortunately, we know what works. Paid leave improves infant and maternal health, reducing preterm births, supporting breastfeeding, and lowering postpartum depression. It also strengthens family financial stability, reducing the need for public assistance and helping parents stay in the workforce long term. States that have implemented paid leave programs—such as California, Colorado, and New York—demonstrate that these policies benefit not just families, but also businesses and the economy. Paid leave increases employee retention, reduces turnover costs, and creates a stronger, more productive workforce.
[Customize by inserting evidence to support your argument. Evidence may include reports/studies, data, personal or professional experience, case studies, and stories.]Press for a solution & CTA: We have a chance to do better for public employees right here in [STATE or CITY] by enacting a comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy that is funded sustainably through small payroll contributions from employers, employees, or both, just as successful state programs have done.
[Customize by inserting your specific policy/funding or proof point/focus.]Strong closing: Ensuring paid family and medical leave for the people who serve our community sends a powerful message: caregiving is valued, and no one should have to risk their financial security to care for a child or recover from illness. It’s an important first step that supports families, strengthens our workforce, and moves us closer to the future our children deserve.
[Customize by referencing your opening and ending on a hopeful/forward looking note.]