Write an OP-ED
What is an op-ed?
An opinion-based article is a short, persuasive essay that shares your opinion on an issue and relies on your perspective –– and personality
Why write an op-ed?
Because your story and perspective can shape conversations, influence decisions, and inspire others to take action.
TURN YOUR STORY INTO IMPACT.
An op-ed (short for “opinion editorial”) is your chance to speak directly to the public — to call out what’s wrong, share what you’ve lived, and push people toward action. You don’t need to be a journalist or expert. You just need a point of view and the courage to say it clearly.
Your words can reach thousands. They can change how people understand safety, power, and responsibility — and remind readers that young people aren’t waiting for permission to lead.
Find your moment.
Start with what’s happening right now. The best op-eds are timely — they respond to a current event, debate, or headline.
Ask yourself:
- What’s happening in my community or state that needs attention?
- Why is this moment personal to me?
- What do I want people to feel when they finish reading?
Examples:
- A new gun bill being debated in your state.
- A local shooting that’s being ignored by the media.
- A win — a law, program, or community effort — that deserves to be celebrated.
Don’t wait for permission or a perfect story. Write when it matters most.
Decide what you want to say.
Every strong op-ed has one clear message — not five.
Boil it down to one sentence: “Here’s what’s happening, here’s why it matters, and here’s what needs to change.”
Keep returning to that line as you write. Every paragraph should ladder up to it.
Lead with your story.
Readers don’t connect with stats first — they connect with you. Start personal. Example: “When my school went into lockdown, I stopped believing adults had it under control.”
Then zoom out. Explain how your story reflects a bigger truth — about policy failure, injustice, or apathy.
Your lived experience is evidence. Use it.
Back it up with proof.
Once you’ve grounded readers in your story, show them the scale of the problem. Use:
- Data from credible sources (CDC, The Trace, Everytown, Giffords)
- Quotes from community leaders or experts
- Recent news or examples that prove this isn’t isolated
You don’t need to sound academic — you need to sound informed. One or two strong facts can be more persuasive than a wall of numbers.
Call readers to act.
Never end your piece with despair. End with direction.
Be specific:
- “Call your representative and demand they pass background checks.”
- “Support youth programs that prevent violence before it starts.”
- “Join March For Our Lives and take action at mfol.us.”
The best op-eds don’t just describe the world — they tell people how to change it.
KEEP WRITING THE FUTURE.
Op-eds aren’t homework — they’re protest in print. They’re how we change the story about who’s responsible for gun violence and who’s leading the fight to end it.
When young people tell the truth publicly, it forces the country to look. And once people see us, we make it impossible to look away.
What Happens Now?
Congratulations on writing an , let us know how it went! (we love when you share pics!)