In this workshop presentation recorded in Nipaluna Hobart, forest ecologist and science communicator Dr. Jen Sanger shares practical strategies for using written communication to drive climate action. The session focuses on two high-impact tools: writing letters to the editor to reach broader audiences, and directly contacting politicians to advocate for specific policy change.  

Key topics covered include:

• Strategic Audience Communication: Balancing factual information ("head-to-head") with personal empathy ("heart-to-heart") to maximise impact.  

  
  

• Effective Writing Techniques: Crafting clear opening statements, avoiding jargon and unnecessary acronyms, and using short, impactful sentences.  

  
  

• Letters to the Editor: Navigating strict 200-word limits, referencing recent news stories, and utilising distinct community voices to engage conservative readers.  

  
  

• Advocating to Politicians: Structuring direct personal appeals, requesting concrete policy actions, and sending individual messages rather than form letters.  

  
  

• Advocacy Advice: Overcoming the fear of meeting with local representatives and leveraging talkback radio or regional media platforms.  

  
  

The session concludes with an interactive Q&A featuring audience tips on accessing free digital news subscriptions through public libraries, writing group petitions, and organising community writing parties.