Sample Editorial Pitch Letter  
 
Introductory Letter
Preface
Planning & Conducting a Successful Campaign
Planning Worksheet
 
National Events
3D Month News Conference
Lights On For Life Day
Holiday Lifesaver Weekend
 
Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving
Medical/Health Care Providers
Educators
Employers/Business
Law Enforcement
Prosecutors
Judges
Community and Civic Groups
Government and Legislators
The Military
 
3D Coalition Awards Grants to Three Local Efforts
 
Working with the Media
Sample Press Release
Sample Media Advisory
Sample Editorial Pitch Letter
Sample Op-Ed Piece
Sample Proclamation
Sample Public Service Announcements
 
Resources
The National 3D Prevention Month Coalition
(NHTSA) Regional Offices
State Highway Safety Offices — Governors' Highway Safety Repesentatives
Other Available Resources
 
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U.S. Department of Transportation
 

[DATE - late November or early December]

[NAME]
Editorial Page Editor
[NEWSPAPER]
[ADDRESS]

Dear [NAME]:

The December holidays are upon us once again. The increase of deaths and injuries due to impaired driving is still a tremendous problem during this time period. The [LOCAL 3D PREVENTION COALITION] wants to make our area roads safer this year and we have an ambitious plan to do that. But we need your help.

Please consider an editorial endorsing National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month and this year's campaign, "Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving." This year the 3D Prevention Month Coalition is focusing on the Safe Communities approach. We are emphasizing that every part of the community — businesses, citizen groups, health care providers, police agencies, schools, government, the military, etc. — has a role to play in the fight against impaired driving. Specifically, we'd like you to consider editorial positions in favor of:

  • National Lights On For Life Day on Friday, December 19, when motorists are asked to drive with their headlights on all day to remind people about the impaired driving problem and in remembrance of those killed by impaired drivers;
  • National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend, Friday, December 19 through Sunday, December 21, when law enforcement agencies across the nation — including [NAME LOCAL AGENCIES INVOLVED] — will step up enforcement efforts against impaired drivers and motorcyclists, speeders, aggressive drivers, and others who make the roads especially dangerous at this time of year;
  • Proposed legislation scheduled to be voted upon by the state legislature early in 1998 [ADD INFORMATION ON BILL NAMES, NUMBER, CONTENT, SPONSORS, ETC.]; and
  • [LOCAL 3D PREVENTION COALITION]'s efforts to stop impaired driving through [DESCRIBE YOUR LOCAL EFFORTS].

A fact sheet about the impaired driving problem is enclosed, as well as information about our coalition. If you have any questions, please call [CONTACT NAME AND PHONE]. Thank you very much for your consideration, and we look forward to having the support of [NEWSPAPER].

Sincerely,
[COALITION CHAIR]