We need to make sure that supporters of the Clean Indoor Air ordinance are heard! One very important way to speak out is to write letters to the editors of your newspapers. Don't worry if you haven't done this before! It should be as simple as it is important if you follow the basic suggestions below.

A good letter to the editor will be:

PERSONAL - Why is getting rid of secondhand smoke important to you? Do you have a good story to tell to demonstrate your point? Use your own words - that's what makes you credible.

BRIEF - You never know how much space a newspaper will have to print your letter. So, state your view and make your point quickly. Don't worry about hitting every single fact and argument. Just pick a couple of points that matter most to you.

POSITIVE AND POLITE - Although this issue may be critically important to you, no one likes to be lectured or threatened. Try to express your concerns as politely and positively as possible.

The arguments in support of clean indoor air usually fall into these three categories:

HEALTH - Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, even when exposure is minimal or infrequent. Secondhand smoke kills.

MORAL - Everyone should have equal access to public and work places without risking their health. Is it fair that that office workers are protected from secondhand smoke while hospitality and restaurant workers work in smoke-filled environments to make a living? Why should non-smokers (the vast majority of people) be harmed by a few smokers who are unwilling to wait to light up? Is it fair to deny access to someone with asthma by failing to protect them from secondhand smoke?

ECONOMIC - Non-smokers would be much more likely to go out if they knew they were enjoying the protection of a comprehensive clean indoor air ordinance. This would boost local business, increase sales tax receipts and reduce local government's reliance on property taxes.