Hello, Green supporters and friends on Vancouver Island North,
If you can read & write, then this message is for you. I would like to draw your attention to an important part of the civic process - letters to the editor. Letters to the editors of local (and national) newspapers are a large factor in driving news coverage. When news desks and reporters decide what is "news" or what topics to cover, they are very influenced by what people have been submitting in their letters (published or not).
If you read the letters page, you'll have noticed that most of them are telling you how bad (or great) the Conservatives are, or how great (or bad) the NDP are. But we know there are important Green issues in this election, too! Luckily, you can easily help widen the agenda. Simply choose an issue that matters to YOU, and write a letter.
Our local papers can be reached via:
editor@campbellrivermirror.com
Don't write a book - the shorter your letter, the more chance it will get printed. 250 words is the usual limit, and 100-150 (or even just 50) has the best chance of running, because it fits more easily between the ads.
If you need inspiration, have a peek at our platform or our longer document Vision Green, choose something that interests or concerns you, and tell the world.
It's great if you can mention a policy that is unique to the Green Party, or say something nice about the local candidate (some people vote for a party, others for a person - we need both kinds of voter to win). Mostly, it's important to let other residents know that just because VI North has traditionally been a swing riding (Cons & NDP) doesn't mean there isn't another, better alternative. This message might even reach those who are turned off voting.
You need to include your name, address, and phone number so they can confirm you sent the letter, but they will only print your name and city. (If you wish to write on behalf of an organization you represent, you can include that, too).
Whether your letter is printed or not, it will be noticed. If they get several letters from a similar viewpoint, they may print only some of them, but they feel the influence of all. All your submitted letters help steer the news back toward long-term sustainability issues even if they don't get into print. And the more different people who write, the greater the influence.
Spring seems to be somewhat delayed - not a great time to knock on doors, but a perfect time to sit down and express a few thoughts.
Your efforts really matter. We look forward to seeing your letters!
Sincerely,
Sue Moen & VI North Greens
