Get F.I.T. is a citizen leadership development program for people of faith, to help you and your congregation participate in the public policy debate in ways that express your faith, honor diversity of opinion, and respect laws governing political activity by religious organizations.
Know the Law on Political Activity by Religious Organizations
The 2006 election year will feature increased attention to political activity by religious groups. The law is clear and guidance is available, so bone up on the do's and don'ts now for a worry-free 2006.
Getting Started: Take the FITness Quiz
How Texas Impact Solicits Letters to the Editor
Letters-to-Editor are potent and effective tools for grassroots organizations. When unique opportunities arise to speak out locally on important state issues, we look to active Texas Impact members to write and submit letters-to-the-editor in local newspapers, as well as denominational and statewide publications.
Because we are sensitive to the reality that people are overwhelmed with the “take action now!” mentality promoted by web-based organizing, we try to take a respectful and constructive approach to soliciting letters-to the-editor.
When there is an opportunity to advance the conversation locally on an issue, we contact individual members who have shown an interest in that particular issue and work with them to construct the letter for submission.
It’s true that people are busy and writing a letter-to-the-editor can feel daunting. To help make the task more doable, we sometimes offer sample letters representing various approaches to the issue and talk with the author of the letter about which message is the most authentic to their views.
For example, when the state legislature made partial restorations to the Children’s Health Insurance Program in the 79th regular session, we talked with many members about submitting letters-to-the-editor in their local papers. We helped place letters that thanking Legislature for doing what they could with limited resources, letters promoting the CHIP program in the community, and letters admonishing leaders for not acting to restore enrollment levels.
We work yearlong to educate our members on the issues they care about and to bolster their confidence in authentic citizenship participation. For more information on how to write a great letter-to-the-editor, download our free handout “How-to Write a Great Letter-to-the-Editor.”
The Texas Impact staff is always available to review your draft before you submit it. We help you write a letter you can feel confident is well-constructed and contains accurate information. Just give us a call or send us an email to justice@texasimpact.com
From the Horse's Mouth: Why the Editor didn't print your letter