Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a quick and easy way to effectively bring important issues to light. The keys to writing an effective letter are as follows:

Make one clear point and stick to it.
Most papers require it to be 250 words or less
If you can, tie your letter to a recent article
Explain how this issue affects you personally

And remember, short letters get printed, but clever letters get read! Make sure to include your name and hometown with any submission, and follow up with a phone call if you can.

Here is some quick background on the Climate Security Act of 2007:

Sen. Elizabeth Dole took an important step last October when she signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Climate Security Act of 2007, which would mandate substantial cuts in global warming pollution. Sen. Dole’s co-sponsorship is commendable. But her chance to make an impact on the shape of federal global warming policy is far from over.

This spring, the U.S. Senate will take its first floor vote on legislation that makes a serious attempt at reversing rising greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. While the Climate Security Act could, and should, do more to limit global warming pollution, the reductions it calls for--70 percent by 2050--are within striking distance of what scientists say is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Unfortunately, opponents are already gearing up support for weakening amendments to this bi-partisan legislation, which means this is a critical time for Sen. Dole to be hearing from North Carolinians.