Making Your Voice Heard: Writing Advocacy Letters That Get Read
Monday, February 16
6:00 PM
Curitiba Art Café
919 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Free and open to the public!
About the Event
How do you make your voice actually count?
This Community Conversations event blends open discussion with hands-on workshopping to explore what effective advocacy looks like in practice, especially through letters to the editor and communication with public officials. We’ll talk honestly about what works, what doesn’t, and why authentic, grassroots advocacy matters.
The conversation will be guided by Martin Davis, Editor in Chief of the FXBG Advance, and Adele Uphaus, Managing Editor, who will share insights from the other side of the inbox: what gets read, what gets published, and what may be ignored.
We’ll also examine the difference between real community-driven advocacy and “astroturf” campaigns—and why the distinction matters for democracy, credibility, and public trust.
What to Expect
- Practical discussion on writing effective letters to the editor and public offices
- Insight from local journalists on what makes advocacy writing compelling
- Open conversation about grassroots organizing vs. astroturf advocacy
- Optional, low-pressure workshopping of ideas or drafts
- Small-table discussion with neighbors, no lectures or panels
There are no formal speakers—only discussants. The goal is an equal-ground conversation where everyone feels comfortable participating.
Who Should Come
This event is for anyone in the Fredericksburg community who is interested in:
- Advocacy and civic engagement
- Improving their public writing
- Understanding how local media and public offices engage with the public
- Talking honestly with neighbors about how change actually happens
No prior knowledge, credentials, or organizational affiliation required.
