How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Learn tips on how and why to write an LTE, recommendations on message-tested ways to talk about zoning reform, where and how to submit your letter for publication. If you have any questions about this resource, feel free to contact comms@neighborswelcomeri.org

Why Letters to the Editor?

We want the Rhode Island Legislature to pass legislation in 2026 to allow more home types in more communities. To do that, one of the things we can do is build narrative power to shape how Rhode Islanders understand our housing shortage, how the bills will impact that, and what’s possible. This looks like:

1. Creating outside pressure on lawmakers

2. Educating Rhode Islanders and reporters on what the causes of our housing shortage are, our solutions, and why it matters, and

3. Setting the terms and controlling the message of what our bills do, and why they are important (because our opposition will try to do the same).

Letters to the Editor are a useful tactic to build narrative power on an issue! Additionally, they create a community conversation, influence public opinion, educate the public on the issue and the solution, influence policy-makers or elected officials directly or indirectly, are commonly read parts of the newspaper, and feature local community voices.

With volunteers and leaders from across our many organizations, we will build education, conversation, and influence across the state!

Tips on Writing a Letter To the Editor:

1. Keep it short: 150 - 250 words. A short, focused letter is more likely to get published and read.

2. Stay focused: Stick to one point. No long, rambling sentences.

3. Talk local: Connect the issue to how it affects readers’ lives and the local community. Point to tangible community impacts like rising rents and home prices, instead of using policy jargon.

4. Get Personal: Make your LTE as personal as possible. This isn’t about having all the facts and figures — we know that stories are what really move people! 

   1. You can use a few short phrases to credential your perspective, without sharing tons of private details – for instance, you could start your letter saying, “I was born and raised in Rhode Island and over the last few years…” or “As a resident of Providence for the last seven years, I’ve seen how housing costs change when…”

5. Build on the conversation: If possible, refer to a previously published article to increase the chance of being published.

6. Include contact info: Include your name, address, and phone. Only your name and city or neighborhood will appear if your letter is published.

7. BCC decision makers: Include your legislators on the email so they see that the issue is important to you, their constituent.

8. Choose a media outlet: Submit your letter to one outlet at a time. If it’s not published, then you can try another. Follow submission guidelines.

Messaging Tips:

Move through each of these steps in your letter. Since LTEs are short, you should only need around 1-2 sentences for each step.

1. Introduce Yourself

2. Value

3. Problem

4. Vision

5. Action

Full Sample LTE

See how all the steps fit together here.

Double Your Impact!

Did your LTE recently get published in a local or statewide paper?

Your Letter to the Editor (LTE) or blog post is a powerful tool to shape the public narrative — but you can double your impact by making sure your elected officials see it directly.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you do just that:

Step 1: Find Your Legislators

Go to the Rhode Island Legislature’s “Who Represents Me” tool here:

👉 https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=3

Follow the steps to enter your zip code, town, and address. A new window will pop up and you can find who is your :

State Senator

State Representative

Click on each of their names to find their contact information. Save their email addresses.

Step 2: Send a Short & Personal Email

Copy and paste your LTE or blog post link into an email.

Subject: I wrote about allowing more homes—wanted to make sure you saw it

Hi [Rep./Sen. Last Name],

I’m a constituent in [your city/neighborhood], and I recently wrote a [Letter to the Editor/blog post] about the need for statewide action to help Rhode Island build more homes.

I’ve attached it below and wanted to make sure you had a chance to see it directly. I hope you’ll keep supporting legislation this session to ensure that all our communities can have more housing choices.

Thanks for all you do,

[Your Full Name]

[City or ZIP Code]

[Optional: Phone Number]

Step 3: Hit Send!

Don’t worry about making it perfect—the most important thing is that your legislators hear directly from people like you. Let us know once you’ve sent it—we’re tracking how many legislators have seen the message from their constituents!