Op-Ed Templates

An op-ed is typically a 600- to 700-word piece submitted for publication in your local newspaper, offering perspective or commentary on a topic. Traditionally, newspapers printed these opinion pieces opposite from the newspaper’s own editorials, hence the name “op-ed.” Publishing an op-ed in your newspaper highlights the need for climate action to your wider community and will help get the attention of your member of Congress.

Below, you’ll find a selection of op-ed options:

• Pre-written op-eds from CCL's Executive Director Madeleine Para which you can submit to your local newspaper for publication. You can download a headshot of Madeleine below to submit along with the op-ed. 
   
• Op-ed templates a local volunteer can add their name to and submit to local newspapers. These templates include sections to add unique local perspectives about your city, state, and chapter.
   
• Op-ed outlines to help you write an original op-ed for newspapers that only accept original local content. Be sure to check out our op-ed training page for video and detailed text instructions on planning, writing, and submitting an op-ed. You could also use one of our prewritten op-eds or templates for inspiration and talking points for your own original op-ed.

(Don't forget to check in with your chapter and those nearby to make sure multiple people don’t submit the piece to the same newspaper).

If you submit a joint op-ed with CCL Executive Director Madeleine Para, your newspaper may need a photo of Madeleine. Below, you'll find a headshot of Madeleine that you can send to your newspaper.