Time is viewed as a personal asset and how we use time indicates what we deem important. That is why letters get attention. The fact that someone "took the time" to write about an issue indicates to the recipient that the writer considers the issue to be of value. (ed. note: We have included a feature called "Basic tips for writing to the media" and it is located just below on this page.)
Educate Your Local Authorities
Send copies of the FAQ'S ABOUT WITCHES (available on this Web site) to your local police department, mayor's office, city council and planning boards, district attorney's office, and local F.B.I. chapter. Let them know that Witchcraft is a federally recognized religion since 1985 and that they must protect your religious rights under the law.
Keep Up On Current Events
Read your local papers, know what political leaders are saying about the issues concerning civil and religious rights and check out what special interest groups are holding meetings or rallies in your area.
Know The Laws Governing Religious Freedom
Keep a copy of the statutes cited in the White Pages on your person.Some authorities may be ignorant of the beliefs of Witches, but they must uphold those beliefs under the law. For more information on the Freedom of Religion Act see the sites listed as links to legal resources.
Keep Us Informed
Contact the Witches' Voice or other Anti-Defamation leagues that deal with legal issues concerning Witches and Pagans with any issues in your area that continues to perpetuate the negative stereotype that Witches do harm. We can send you information to help combat this mis-information and educate the public. We can initiate letter writing campaigns.
Basic tips for writing to the media by Wren Walker
Keep Your Letter Short and To The Point - Important people don't have time to read five pages of text and those are the very people that you WANT to read your letter.
Type or Print Clearly and Always check Your Spelling
Include Your Name and Address and Phone Number - Use your real name as use of Craft names is not understood by those outside of the Pagan community...and what you are looking for is a response, so don't confuse your local mailcarrier.
Keep To The Facts and Be Specific -Give names, times and dates pertaining to the issue. Cite air time of the television show, issue of magazine, etc.
Don't Be Nasty - Most people are simply ignorant of the beliefs of Witches. State where the misconceptions occurred in the article, story, movie, etc. and give them the facts.
Tell Them What Action That You Personally Are Willing To Take - Not buying their product,newspaper, magazine or reporting them to anti-defamation leagues, the FCC, etc.
Observe The Format - Keep to guidelines for editorials and response letters.
Send Letters To the Organization and Leaders in the Organization - C.C. the publisher, sponsors and CEO. Send copies to the FCC. ACLU, local FBI office.
Be Specific About What Corrective Action You Wish To See- Give examples such as a retraction, disclaimer, etc. and request a personal reply within a reasonable time frame. Be prepared to write a second letter if necessary.Demand an answer.
Never forget...
Witchcraft has been a legally recognized religion in the U.S. since 1985 and is protected under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Any person or organization that seeks to supress Witches from practicing their beliefs or print articles which may incite violent acts toward a specific individual, or organization holding those beliefs, is breaking a federal law. It is illegal to harass, threaten or intimidate anyone because of their religious practice.You can greatly help to protect your right to Freedom of Relgion by supporting the anti-defamation leagues listed in our pages.
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