Emerson College Library: WR121: Research Writing: Letter/Commentary

What are some issues in my community?

Use local and government information to identify pressing needs in your area.

Analyze Boston
Research portal for Boston municipal data. Includes crime reports, building permits, service requests, inspections, wifi hotspots, and much more.
Idealist.org
Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.
Office of Academic Engagement and Community Action
Connected to hundreds of nonprofit partners from Boston and around the world.
Volunteer.gov
Find volunteer opportunities in your community or reach out by posting a volunteer opportunity of your own.
Volunteering Solutions
Volunteer Solutions helps volunteers, nonprofit agencies, corporations, event organizers, and Volunteer Centers get connected.

What does a letter to the editor look like?

Browse the "Letters to the Editor" section in major newspapers:

Where can I get background information about events, people, etc.?

Background information can help you contextualize your topic, adopt appropriate vocabulary and terminology, and support, refute, or define your assumptions.

Biography Resource Center This link opens in a new window
A comprehensive database of biographical information, including articles from magazines and newspapers.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Collection of virtual encyclopedias with over 3 million entries from 300+ reference books in a variety of subjects.
CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Weekly reports on topics of current interest, with pro and con arguments. Limited to 5 users at a time.
Issues and Controversies This link opens in a new window
Current in-depth information on the most prominent and hotly debated issues of the day.

Who do I write the letter to?

Contact elected officials, local newspapers, or the Berkeley Beacon to share your thoughts on policies and events.

Write Your Elected Officials
Find e-mail, addresses, and phone numbers for key elected officials.
Berkeley Beacon: Letter to the Editor
"...The word limit for letters is 250 words. Letters are due my noon Monday before publication. Letters are subject to editing for style, spelling, grammar, punctuation and space."
Boston Globe: Letter to the Editor
"...make sure to include your full name, address and a telephone number for confirmation purposes. Letters should be 200 words or less and are subject to condensation."

Are there books on letter writing?

Search the FLO Library Catalog to find books and audio visual materials.

How to write attention-grabbing query & cover letters
Call Number: PE1483 .W58 1996
The American directory of writer's guidelines
Call Number: [X] PN147 .A479 2007
"More than 1,700 Magazine Editors and Book Publishers Explain What They are Looking for from Freelancers."
How to write first-class letters : the handbook for practical letter writing
Call Number: PE1483 .B37 1994
Gallery of best cover letters : a collection of quality cover letters by professional resume writers
Call Number: HF5383 .N618 2007