Media – How to Write an Op-Ed
What is an Op-Ed?
It’s an opinion piece that is published in a newspaper that was written by someone who isn’t on the staff of a newspaper. Someone in the community. Someone just like you.
An Op-Ed allows the person writing to express their opinion on a subject that is important to them and their community. Which means you get to tell your story in your own words – as you want it to be told.
And you get to connect your story to the bigger issues – poverty reduction, economic security, and the need for a bold and broad review of social assistance in Ontario.
1) Length
Op-Eds are typically 750 words or less – shorter is better.
But be sure to check your newspaper’s requirements. Most newspapers have requirements for how long Op-Eds can be, and if you send one in that is longer, they won’t print it.
2) Timeliness
It’s always best when an Op-Ed addresses an issue that is already in the news.
The current economic recession, widespread job losses, and problems with Employment Insurance mean that Op-Eds about social assistance – Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program – are especially timely.
Now is the time to get writing!
3) What to Say
A great format for Op-Eds is to follow a five-point structure.
1. First, catch the reader’s attention by drawing a picture of a very specific problem.
Keep this section short – only one or two paragraphs – but be compelling.
For example, a way to start might be “The social assistance system in Ontario is broken. And people in this community know it.”
2. Explain that problem in greater detail.
Use three or four paragraphs.
In this instance, you coul talk about the ways in which the system is broken, and how that affects people in your community. You could say that the current system doesn’t serve the people in your community who need it, and doesn’t help the local economy either.
3. Highlight a solution.
Use three or four paragraphs here.
You could talk about the commitments that the government has made to poverty reduction and to review the social assistance system. But highlight the need for a Social Assistance Review that is bold and broad. Tinkering with rules here and there won’t solve the problems. A comprehensive review is necessary.
4. Imagine the future after the solution is implemented.
Just a couple of paragraphs here.
A social assistance system that works – and actually reduces poverty – would have many benefits, both for people in your community and the province as a whole, and in ways that will improve both society and the economy. Talk about this from your point of view.
5. Make a call for action.
Call for support for a Social Assistance Review that is bold and broad, one that:
- makes sure the voices of low-income people are heard
- identifies and addresses the most punitive elements of the system right now
- re-imagines and creates a system for the longer-term that moves people out of poverty by offering meaningful and appropriate resources and programs
- starts soon – because people who rely on social assistance can’t wait.
The government must demonstrate it’s commitment to poverty reduction – by making the social assistance system a tool for poverty reduction.
4) Remember to use these sources for information on which newspapers serve your local community:
Back to Connecting with Newspapers
