This document contains the scripts, links and resources you need to take action. If you weren’t able to join us live, you can view the slides here and watch the recording here.

Learn more about Sierra Club’s monthly Action Hours.

Letter to the Editor Resources

Sample Letter to the Editor (LTE)

You'll write and send your letter in our online form here:  sc.org/ActionLTE

Below is an example you can use and adapt. Please  edit it,especially the subject line, and  put it in your own language, or add a local or personal example.

Note: Make sure to keep your letter no longer than 150 words.

Subject: Elected leaders in _______  (location) must take bold action to protect our health & future.

Dear editor at [publication name],

I am writing to urge elected officials in  ______ (location) to do everything in their power to protect everyday people in our community instead of enabling Trump's tax breaks for billionaires and corporate polluters.

The upcoming budget bill moving through Congress is a fight over our country’s values and priorities. We must:

• Protect climate and clean energy policies that are lowering our energy costs, cutting climate pollution, and creating good jobs nationwide.
• Stop Trump from selling off our public lands to the highest bidder and opening up the Arctic Refuge for oil and gas drilling.
• Block cuts to vital government programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

As a __________ (add a line about your identity or why you care here. For example "As a (parent, teacher, birder, former Republican, environmental activist), these issues have a huge impact on me. ") I support climate action, clean air and water, and protecting our public lands. We need the government to protect people over corporate polluters who bought access to Trump. That's why I'm urging my representatives to do more to fight for us!

Sincerely,

[Supporter name].

Tips on writing an effective LTE

• Assume Nothing: Do not assume that your readers are informed on your topic.
• Be Brief: State your position as succinctly as possible without eliminating necessary detail. If you can, keep your LTE under 150 words.
• Make it Personal: Personal stories and anecdotes are particularly compelling to editors and readers, more so than facts and figures alone.
• Offer Specific Recommendations: It's helpful to include a concrete and realistic call to action.

More information, tips, and best practices for writing a LTEs can be found here: Letter to the Editor Writing Guide.

Calling Resources

Script for Calling your Representative

Dial 855-980-2279 to be automatically connected to your representative.

“Hi, my name is ________ and I live in ________.

I support the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy and climate programs and want Representative _______ to vote against repealing them.

Protecting the IRA is important to me because…

Thank you!”

Tips on making an effective call

1. Identify yourself as a constituent:

1. “Hi, my name is ________ and I live in ________, my zipcode is _____.”

2. Be specific:

1. “I support the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy and climate programs and want Representative _______ to vote against repealing them.”

3. Be personal:

1. “Protecting the IRA is important to me because…”

4. Follow the ABCs:

1. Be Accurate, be Brief, and be Courteous

Resources to keep learning

• Learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act
• Trump Administration Moves to Gut Bedrock Environmental Protection
• U.S. Renewable Energy Production Overtakes Coal in 2024
• Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Order to Undo Ocean Protections from Offshore Drilling
• Evergreen Action Polling on American opinions on clean energy

More ways to get involved

• Help combat misinformation on social media by joining our Climate Truth Teller's team
• Get connected to your local Sierra Club chapter