Write a Letter to the Editor

Writing an editorial for the opinions page of your local newspaper is a great way to start the conversation and keep people talking about how well Drug Courts work. When other members of your community hear about Drug Courts, it makes them want to learn more.

Don't worry if you have never written a newspaper before. We have all the tools you will need. Read the tips below and feel free to use our sample letters and op-eds.



Letter Writing Tips

  1. Be Short & Sweet - Keep your letter to 250 words or less and offer suggestions instead of complaints.
  2. Be Relevant - Reference another letter to the Editor. Mention a recent or future event or a story the newspaper recently ran.
  3. Make a Point - Take a clear stance and use facts and figures to support your assertions about Drug Courts.
  4. Identify Yourself - Include your name, address, phone number and email so the newspaper can contact you if needed.


Get People Talking
You don't have to be a brilliant writer or scientist to get people talking. You can use the factual information you find in this site to get things going. So go ahead, write a letter. Type an email. Start a blog. Comment on someone else's blog. Participate in an online forum. If we're going to succeed in putting Drug Courts within reach of every American in need, we need to get people talking.

Headlines

Veterans treatment courts like Buffalo’s are sprouting in courtrooms across the country, with 80 having been established in the past 3½ years.
West Huddleston, National Association of Drug Court, Professionals – CEO discusses Drug Courts
Chris Matthews interviews Martin Sheen and Judge Robert Russell who make the case for Drug Courts.
We must not make cuts to programs that will cost us more in the long run, particularly at the expense of our public safety. There is no greater example of such a program than drug courts.