Take Your Advocacy Public
With so much mis- and dis-information out there, we need more experts willing and able to speak out publicly about issues. Below are opportunities for you to take your advocacy public.
Write an opinion piece or letter-to-the-editor
An opinion piece, or op-ed (short for opposite the editorial page), is a great way to share your expertise in relation to current issues - especially if those issues are making their way through the news cycle.
A letter-to-the-editor, or LTE, is a direct response to a published piece and can be useful to address harmful or inaccurate points made in an article that is widely circulated.
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Map Out an Op-Ed (SMFM)
10 Tips for Writing Effective Op-Eds (NWLC)
Fast LTE Tool (M+R)
Op-Ed Writing Tips (The Op-Ed Project)
What’s the difference between an op-ed and a letter to the editor? (Axia PR)
Writing an Effective Letter to the Editor (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Writing a “Letter to the Editor” 101 (Research!America)
Talk Directly to the Media
While op-eds and LTEs are great tools for sharing your message and expertise, they may not have as broad a reach as audio-visual media. If you’re ready for a bigger audience - and challenge - then maybe it’s time to talk directly to the media.
Speaking directly to the media requires more training, time, and research. We recommend connecting directly with SMFM staff if this interests you. And depending on your time and interest, we may even ask you to become an SMFM Media Spokesperson.
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Effective Media Interview Techniques (ACEP)
Physicians can use media training and public relations as effective tools to combat medical misinformation (Medical Economics)
Spokesperson Training (AKCG Public Relations Counselors)