What can you do?
This page will be the landing page for information regarding how people can help out with our efforts.
Write a letter
Both the Times Union and the Spotlight accept letters to the editor.
The Times Union provides some guidelines to keep in mind when writing. Letters should be submitted to mailto:tuletters@timesunion.com.
The Spotlight will accept letters on their regular contact page.
How do I write a Letter to the Editor?
Writing a letter to the editor can seem like a daunting task to those who haven’t done it before, especially for those of us who lack confidence in our writing. But it doesn’t have to be. The Letters to the Editor section of a newspaper is intended for readers’ opinions. You’re not expected to write like James Madison or Toni Morrison—just say what you think.
We considered providing a template or example for people to follow. However, the Times Union’s guidelines indicate that the editorial page does “not accept form letters, chain letters, letters that have been posted on Web sites, or letters that have been prepared by anyone other than the individual who has signed his or her name at the bottom,” and letters carry more weight if they represent the personal concerns or opinions of the reader submitting them. So instead, we thought we’d offer a few topics that we feel would help you write your own letter to the editor:
- Our North Colonie Schools are important to me because…
- High-quality public education is important to me because…
- I live in North Colonie because…
- Our North Colonie Schools made a difference in my life because…
- I support our North Colonie Schools because…
Be sure to indicate why readers should care what you think (e.g., “I’m a graduate of Shaker High School” or “I’m a resident of North Colonie”), and make sure you include some kind of call to action (e.g., “I hope residents will take this opportunity to get involved” or “Join me in voting to continue to support our schools”).
Be Active on Social Media
Take a minute or two to interact (respectfully) with other members of our community on your favorite social media platform. We have a few social media accounts, and we’d love to hear from you, whether it’s a simple show of support, or an idea or suggestion, an offer to help in some way, or an eloquent, impassioned essay that will convince everyone who reads it to support our schools.
Talk to your Friends and Neighbors
It’s also important for us to reach as many other North Colonie voters as we can. Ultimately, however energized, organized, and inspired we are, our efforts will fail if we can’t convince a majority of voters to support our schools, or if we can’t motivate them to show up and cast their ballot on election day.
Put up a Yard Sign
If you’d like a yard sign in the weeks leading up to an important vote, send us an email.