Editorial Packets
Description
Resources to help volunteers educate their local newspaper’s editorial board about CCL's work, carbon pricing, and Congress' actions on climate policy.
Have you completed this training?
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Usage Instructions
Many newspapers have an editorial board. The staff members on the editorial board write the newspaper's own opinion pieces (called "editorials") on various topics. These editorials can be very influential on members of Congress.
At certain times, CCL provides editorial packets that include content and supporting materials to educate an editorial board about CCL's work and Congress's work on climate policy. Newspaper editorial boards will often endorse candidates in political races, which is why their perspective has been so important and valued by members of Congress over the years.
As the 2024 general election approaches, you can reach out to your local editorial board, or at least the opinion page editor, and ask them to consider the climate issue prominently as they choose who to support in the race.
Here is a template email you can complete and send to the editor(s) of your local newspaper during election season:
Hi, [NAME OF OPINION EDITOR],
This is [YOUR NAME] from the [YOUR CITY] chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby. As our name implies, we're focused on generating the political will to enact effective solutions to climate change. Here in [CITY OR STATE] we’ve experienced the impact of a changing climate with [PICK ONE: EXTREME HEAT; RISING SEAS; SEVERE DROUGHT; DAMAGING FLOODS; CATASTROPHIC STORMS; HUGE WILDFIRES]. To limit the consequences of climate change, our members of Congress must do more than pay lip service to the issue; they must make it a priority and back up their words with action.
We appreciate the coverage and commentary the [NAME OF NEWSPAPER] has devoted to climate change. This being an election year, you have an opportunity to make a difference with moving national climate policies forward. Members of Congress and other candidates seeking House and Senate seats are likely to visit you this year to ask for the paper's endorsement. When they do, we have some suggested questions to evaluate whether or not these candidates will be champions for solving climate change:
After evaluating the responses from candidates and determining which ones have the strongest commitment to solving climate change, we hope that evaluation will weigh heavily in deciding who to endorse.
Will the newspaper be asking candidates about their positions on climate change? Thanks for your consideration, and we hope these suggested questions are helpful.
Warm regards,
[SIGNATURE]
If you have questions or need support, visit the "Working with Media" forum. CCL's Communications staff monitors the forum and will answer your questions quickly.
At certain times, CCL provides editorial packets that include content and supporting materials to educate an editorial board about CCL's work and Congress's work on climate policy. Newspaper editorial boards will often endorse candidates in political races, which is why their perspective has been so important and valued by members of Congress over the years.
As the 2024 general election approaches, you can reach out to your local editorial board, or at least the opinion page editor, and ask them to consider the climate issue prominently as they choose who to support in the race.
Here is a template email you can complete and send to the editor(s) of your local newspaper during election season:
Hi, [NAME OF OPINION EDITOR],
This is [YOUR NAME] from the [YOUR CITY] chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby. As our name implies, we're focused on generating the political will to enact effective solutions to climate change. Here in [CITY OR STATE] we’ve experienced the impact of a changing climate with [PICK ONE: EXTREME HEAT; RISING SEAS; SEVERE DROUGHT; DAMAGING FLOODS; CATASTROPHIC STORMS; HUGE WILDFIRES]. To limit the consequences of climate change, our members of Congress must do more than pay lip service to the issue; they must make it a priority and back up their words with action.
We appreciate the coverage and commentary the [NAME OF NEWSPAPER] has devoted to climate change. This being an election year, you have an opportunity to make a difference with moving national climate policies forward. Members of Congress and other candidates seeking House and Senate seats are likely to visit you this year to ask for the paper's endorsement. When they do, we have some suggested questions to evaluate whether or not these candidates will be champions for solving climate change:
- How much of a priority should be given to addressing climate change?
- Do you support the U.S. commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030?
- For incumbents: What current legislation are you sponsoring or have voted for to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- What policies would you support to speed the transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
After evaluating the responses from candidates and determining which ones have the strongest commitment to solving climate change, we hope that evaluation will weigh heavily in deciding who to endorse.
Will the newspaper be asking candidates about their positions on climate change? Thanks for your consideration, and we hope these suggested questions are helpful.
Warm regards,
[SIGNATURE]
If you have questions or need support, visit the "Working with Media" forum. CCL's Communications staff monitors the forum and will answer your questions quickly.
Category
Resource
Topics
Media Relations
Format
Handout
File Type
Word (.docx)