Spread the Word in Your Community

Sample Letter to the Editor

Elected officials and their staff pay close attention to their local newspapers. Keep an eye out for news that relates to babies and respond with a letter to the editor. Topics may include the lack of quality, affordable child care in your community or the long-term outcomes of investing in babies and toddlers. Referencing a specific article, editorial, or column can increase your chances of getting your letter published. Be sure to share the brain science to support your arguments. And try to find a local news hook that brings home the importance of investing in babies and toddlers.

We’ve included a sample letter to the editor that you can adapt to the news in your area. Also, check out the talking points for key messages you can incorporate into your own letter.

For more tips, check out ZERO TO THREE’s How to Write a Letter to the Editor and an Opinion Editorial guide.

Template Letter-to-the-Editor

The [INSERT DATE] article [“INSERT ARTICLE NAME”] addressed [INSERT TOPIC RELATED TO INFANT-TODDLER ISSUES]. As a [INSERT YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE OR ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERTISE], I am writing to add some important information to the discussion. The article did not touch on a very important factor—baby brain development.

Our brains grow faster between the ages of 0 and 3 than at any later point in our lives, forming more than one million new neural connections every second. The latest science shows us that, when babies have nurturing relationships, positive early learning experiences, and good nutrition, those neural connections are stimulated and strengthened, laying a strong foundation for the rest of their lives. Yet opportunities to grow and flourish are not shared equally by all infants, toddlers, and families, reflecting past and present systemic racism and barriers to critical resources. If our nation is to thrive, we must ensure that every baby has what they need to reach their full potential

Giving all babies a strong start in life must be a priority in our community and among our elected leaders. Investing in programs and policies that support early brain development yield significant returns in the long run through more years of education, more employment, and better health as an adult. When babies thrive, we all benefit.