Media Tools: Amplify Your Activism

The national debate around torture rages on. Media visibility is an important way to educate the public about Amnesty International USA's human rights concerns about torture. Reach out to media outlets in your community by using these sample materials to send your own letter to the editor.

If you do send a letter to editor; please send us a copy of any clippings or coverage you generate. Other activists will likely find your success stories inspiring and encouraging.

Letters to the Editor: Letters to the editor should be submitted based on the newspaper's guidelines, which you can generally find on the newspaper's website. Submissions are usually between 200-250 words. Use the following guidelines in drafting your letter:
- Take a look at this sample letter to the editor as a template. (doc|pdf)
- Put it into your own words, and link it to issues and stories that have been covered recently in your local newspaper.
- Be sure to provide your contact information and identify yourself as a member of the local Amnesty International Group.
Key Messages: Messages are the key points to get across every time you talk about an issue. Use your key messages as an outline for interviews, letters to the editor, and media advisories. Messages are usually delivered in a few easily identifiable statements. A few key messages are given and usually followed by supporting evidence. Here are some tips for messages:
- Restrict your messages to the key issues. The key issues are the ones that will be the most persuasive.
- Target your messages to your audience. Your messages will remain the same, but you must phrase them in ways that will appeal to different audiences.
- Make "the solution" one of your messages. AI activists are leaders! Don't just complain. State your case and offer solutions.
- Don't be afraid to repeat your messages. Repetition is key to making your messages resonate with the public.
- Stay on message. Do not allow distracting questions or baiting by opposition to take you off message. Always go back to your messages.
- Many messengers, one message. The more voices repeating the same messages, the greater the chance that someone will hear them and be persuaded by your position.
Download sample messages (doc|pdf). »