Traditional Mediums Do Still Matter

At American Majority, we talk a lot about online activism. I am especially known as a proponent of social media, and am big on getting activists who may initially be uncomfortable online to understand why presence on a variety of social networks is non-negotiable for the freedom movement. However, I think it’s equally important to stress that there are other useful, more traditional mediums of getting out your message about a candidate or organization you support that shouldn’t be overlooked. Amidst tweeting, updating your facebook status, sharing links and promoting your ideas online, don’t forget that the ideas in a blog can be translated into a letter to the editor, and that a call to talk radio can reach voters on-the-go just as well as foursquare.

Why and How You Should Write a Letter to the Editor

Letters to the editor are a great medium – especially to help gain exposure for campaigns. Of course, once you get published, you’ll want to engage online to spread your message; but you’ll need to actually get to that point first! The great thing about letters to the editor, especially for local races submitted to community papers, is name exposure for your candidate and his or her ideas; especially amongst the senior citizen demographic.

To get your submission published, it’s a good idea to avoid form letters and unoriginal boilerplate language. Editors are looking for unique and insightful commentary that will help build discussion, and ultimately draw more attention to their publication. If you’re already active enough in a campaign or a cause to consider writing a letter to the editor, it’s most likely true that you know enough about the issues and have the passion necessary to write something original. Your letter won’t get published it if simply looks like you’re rehashing someone else’s talking points. Make it your own!

To further drive the point home of the need to make a letter your own, I encourage you to really humanize your submission. Draw from personal experience, and don’t be afraid to add some emotion. Bland talking points about why ObamaCare is bad may be effective for policy discussion, but a letter to the editor is trying to reach average people. Why not, for example, mention the fact that you oppose ObamaCare as a stay at home Mom who is concerned about her children’s future? Incorporate facts about the bad legislation – but phrase your points in terms of how you and your family are personally affected. The more you tell a personal story, the greater the likelihood that people will relate to you. Creating an emotional connection with someone is an extremely important step toward ultimately persuading them – and you can effectively employ that tactic through your letter to the editor. Of course, don’t just talk legislation – talk points of action, or candidates to support. Showing how you effectively translated your anger into action can serve as a great example for others.

Additionally, it’s imperative that the spelling and grammar in your submission are proper. That may seem self-evident, but it’s good to remind yourself that as your last step before submission, you need to proofread. It’s also a good idea to have another person look your letter over before it’s sent, because someone else might catch something you missed. Once your letter is persuasive, informative and flawless, go on and submit it!

The Importance of Talk Radio and How You Can Get Involved

Talk radio is an extremely valuable forum in politics – especially for conservative grassroots action. For campaigns and candidates, talk radio air time is considered “earned media”. This means that it’s exposure the campaign doesn’t have to pay for, and that the candidate is getting because of actions he or she has taken. This also comes in the form of having activists call in to talk about a candidate, or even a cause cause, or organization.

Of course, there are national, well known conservative talk shows hosted by people such as Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham and Rush Limbaugh, to name just a few. These shows, while important forums for conservative discussion, aren’t going to be as likely to allow you, the activist caller, on to make your point. Your best bet is to focus on local shows – especially those during commute drive time hours, so that you can reach the greatest amount of local voters with your message.

Don’t be dissuaded if you don’t get on the first time. Keep trying! Also, keep in mind that talk radio hosts do have screeners that ask what it is you want to discuss. Often times, if you bring a reasonable, but somewhat adversarial position to the table, you’ll be more likely to get on in order to facilitate discussion, and keep the show interesting. Get creative, and find a way to bring up your candidate or cause within the context of the discussion. Also, don’t be shy to encourage others to call in regarding the same topic. The more the staff of a talk radio host are exposed to an idea, the greater the chance that they’ll see the issue as important. After all, hosts want to talk about what will interest their audience – and you can be a part of helping to set the agenda. Lastly, always remember to remain authentic. Similar to the importance of presenting a unique story and not rehashing talking points in a letter to the editor, on talk radio, you won’t come across as interesting if it seems like you’re simply reading from a piece of paper. Have a genuine conversation, and don’t be afraid to make your point loud and clear!

Now go on and get active! November is just around the corner!