When should I request a meeting with the editorial board of my newspaper? Ask for an editorial board meeting whenever an issue important to your organization is being debated or highlighted in the news. What is the purpose of meeting with the editorial board? An editorial in support of your issue can influence policymakers and public opinion in your community. You want to present the issue, answer any questions they have and ask them to write an editorial in support of your issue. Sometimes you may provide an update or background on an issue without asking for an editorial.

Speak Up! “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.” —Proverbs 31:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8

Whom should I contact to schedule the meeting?
A small newspaper’s positions on issues are generally decided by the publisher or by the managing editor. Editorial positions at larger newspapers are determined by an editorial board. Contact the secretary of the editorial page editor and ask what their procedures are for scheduling an editorial board meeting. Some will ask you to put your request in writing. Be prepared to provide a summary of the issue, a brief explanation of why the paper should care about it (how it impacts the local community) and why they should talk to you.

Who should attend from my organization?
Limit to three or four the number of people you take to an editorial meeting. Possible choices include the chief executive officer; the chief operating officer; someone, such as a refugee, who is affected by the issue; someone who can answer operational questions; someone conversant with legislation regarding the issue; and your communications professional. Each person selected should be prepared to answer questions or add to the discussion in a substantive way.

What information should I provide?
Prepare a kit with information that explains and supports your position—facts and figures, a backgrounder on the issue, a statement of local impact, brief human interest examples of how people are affected locally and nationally, basic information about your organization, a bio of your president, and contact information. Take this with you.

What is the average timeline for this activity?
Plan ahead! With small newspapers, you may be able to schedule an appointment for the next day. With larger newspapers, you may need to write a letter, wait a week for a response and another two weeks for a meeting if they are interested in your issue. The time required to write and publish the editorial following your meeting will vary.

Is it worth all the trouble?
It is valuable to establish a working relationship with the editorial board. It is easier to manage a crisis if they are acquainted with your program, staff, mission and good work.

More Practical Advocacy Tips
Contacting legislators in writing or by phone.
Visiting legislators in person.
Writing letters to the editor.
Writing op-ed articles.

Page updated June 16, 2003.