Tips for Media Watch Letter Writing

1. Feel free to print out and mail in the template letter, but an original letter is far more powerful. Another option is to insert your own phrases and ideas into the template. Be specific about the situation you are writing about.
2. If you do add to the template, remember to be as professional and polite as possible. The goal is to change the reader’s ideas, not to vent your anger on them.
• Also, use spell check. Misspelled words may lead the reader to undervalue your opinion.
3. Try to use letterhead: personal, nursing department’s or chapter’s. When using letterhead that belongs to your nursing department or chapter, you must ask permission from the appropriate parties.
4. A large volume of letters creates results. Gather some friends and start a letter-writing campaign.
5. Try to be as specific as possible when addressing the letter. For example, instead of “To Whom It May Concern” insert the author’s/editor’s name if writing to a newspaper/magazine, or the producers if writing in regards to a TV show. Insert facts or evidence based data when feasible. Do not forget to properly cite your source in the phrase.
6. As is when addressing to any layperson, avoid using nursing jargon.
7. Always indicate your status as a nursing student when signing the letter.
8. Always include your full name, address and contact information. Contact information will not be published, but the receiver may need to contact you.
9. If your letter gets published (for example, in a Letters to Editor Section of a newspaper), do not be surprised if your letter has been edited. Editors are looking for 200 word pieces, so keep that in mind when forming a letter.
10. Refer to Address and Contact Information page to find commonly used addresses. (Indicate where to find page).
11. Refer to web links page for more information on how to advocate for nursing’s image. (Indicate where to find page).

Regards,
Judy Chang, Chair
California Nursing Students' Association Ad Hoc Image of Nursing CommitteeSan Francisco State University

judychang.cnsa@gmail.com