Success! Letter to the Editor in the O

Rarely do I accomplish a New Year's resolution just a few days into a new year.  But on my list this year was learning about and then trying my hand at one or more letters to the editor.  I am so not a PR pro, but it seemed to me (and another Activista who spurred me on) that print media, especially widely circulated print media, is an obvious place to promote the family-friendly public policies we discuss here on Activistas. 

So when I had an opinion (who me?) after reading the 1.2.08 article on the new breastfeeding legislation, I figured no time like the present!  Of course I've no idea why mine got published, but it did - and I guess in the end that's what matters. So, 10 minutes and voila, we're there. 

Get in there, mamas!  I'm inspired to do more.  You?  Go ahead, take a crack at it next time an article riles you up or begs a response. It's satisfying.  Pen your comment (up to 150 words) and e-mail it to The Oregonian (you can also mail or fax it in).  It's that easy. For other newspapers, the Democratic Party of Oregon has a pretty comprehensive list, along with some good 'how to' guidance.  Useful even if you're not a Democrat!

Here's what I wrote - in case you missed it Saturday morning (what?! You didn't read the paper cover-to- cover?):

Next, paid family leave

Thanks for the good coverage and especially the "how-to" of the new breastfeeding-at-work law (Living, Jan. 2). I exclusively breastfed two children while working close to full time outside the home -- no easy task, even with excellent support. The only reasons I succeeded were because my office has a locking room where I could comfortably and privately pump, a refrigerator to store the milk, and bosses who allowed me the time. And attention, employers: I worked while pumping -- it's a hands-free machine, after all!

But, rather than rest on our laurels, let's remember that when women have no paid maternity leave, many must return to work far sooner than is optimal for breastfeeding. So, while this new legislation is critical and, as the article notes, Oregon is leading the pack, paid family leave should be hot on its heels when the Legislature convenes in 2009. Without it, breastfeeding outcomes will not be what they could be.

More Print Media! Kudos to Tony Fuentes of Milagros (and occasionally Activistas!) for his excellent, balanced 'guest opinion' piece in last week's Tribune on the marketplace for kids' products and toys - a subject he knows well! 

Comments

[LeeAnn]

Great news that they printed your LTE "as is."

[Lisa]

Mine was exactly as I submitted it. I kept it to 150 words, though. They added the title, which I quite liked, sicne that was my real point in writing in!

[LeeAnn]

Saw both, and good on you both.

[Curious: Was either of you edited? Sometimes the O in particular takes the ol' knife to those LTE's. Reults can be annoying to the original author]

[Zinemama]

Hey, I read that letter! And I gave you a mental high five for writing it. Good going.

[andrea]

Way to go Lisa and Tony!