WHAT/WHERE DO WE WRITE LETTERS TO NEWS & WT??

by waiting 14 Replies latest jw friends

  • waiting
    waiting

    HOW - WHAT - TO WHOM - & WHERE CAN ADDRESSES BE FOUND FOR VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS & WTBTS?

    Ok, this has been pointedly mentioned by Barbara Anderson, Maximus, Larc - and actually done by ZaZuWitts - and others fine people here. I've asked this before, and so have others (thankfully so I don't feel like the only simple one). But I don't have any experience in writing a letter like this, - please post specifics?

    1. Those who have written.....could you provide a simple outline of what you wrote?

    2. If you included web addresses - exactly which ones?
    3. To whom did you address it - which editor?

    4. How did you find the addresses - is there a central newspaper website of some sort?

    I think this would help me & others to *flesh out* our own letters. As for a letter to the WTBTS - a simple outline from someone?

    IN OTHER WORDS - A LITTLE HELP FROM THE SEASONED WRITERS HERE?

    Thanking you in advance,

    waiting

    ps I strongly believe anything sent to the WTBTS should be sent Certified - Return Receipt Requested. It sends a message to them that you will have proof that they received your letter. And that little green slip just might come in handy some day - particularily if they can be multiplied to a thousand or more.

  • belbab
    belbab

    Waiting,

    I, too, would like some information in this regard. Especially in writing to the WT. Does one now write to the Christian Society of Jehovah's Witnesses if that is the correct name. What is the exact adrress, of different headquarters etc. What happens if I know someone's name at Bethel, how do indviduals receive their mail. Does someone check return addresses on envelopes. If I sent a letter to someone specific, like a member of the elite, does some secretary open all mail, even personal appearing mail sent to him.

    One last question, if one sends mail to the Society, do they send a notice or copy of the letter to the congregation or branch office where the letter originated?

  • wasasister
    wasasister

    I happen to write rather good letters, in my not so humble opinion, and would be glad to do so, if I felt it would make a difference. Rather than going off on pure emotion, I'll defer to those in the know. Questions:
    1. Do letters from non-active or disfellowshipped JW's count for anything with the Boyz in Brooklyn?
    2. Would they take the time to check the archives to see who is (or is not) in good standing?
    3. Could we each write a reasonably toned and articulate letter stating our "concerns" about this issue and have them forwarded by a third party, thus retaining our anonymity?

    I think Waiting has a good point. We are a resource "waiting" to be tapped. Use us.

    Was

  • Tina
    Tina

    I'm with ya's on this one! Thanks waiting and 'sis! Tina sharpening pencils.......

  • Esmeralda
    Esmeralda

    well i don't think i qualify as seasoned! but when I write to the media, I usually start on a local level: newspapers, television stations, columnists who speak out and might not shy away from the issue.

    To find the addresses I use a search engine to find the website for the station/paper I want to write to and then find the "contact us" link. Then I select the appropriate department depending on who I am writing to (for tv stations I send them to the news department that handles consumer/rights violation/human interest stories: like the one here who uncovered the story about the JW elder who was defrauding the school board by punching in for work and then going out in service!)

    Whether or not you get a reply...well I haven't found the secret to that yet! But if we keep sending enough letters to enough places eventually someone has to take notice.

    Here's a sample letter, just to give you a few ideas. Basically I just try to give them some background info and the link to the silentlambs site.

    Dear Mr. Albom,

    I have read your work with interest and also watched your televised radio show and both respect and admiration.

    As an ex-Jehovah's Witness, and friend of many abused in this organization, I am watching these events unfold with great interest. I am forwarding these links to you in the hope that you might write or speak about them and help raise awareness.

    Please view these links about the suits:
    http://www.fosters.com/news2001c/august/07/nh0807m.htm

    http://www.citizen.com/news2001/August/08/ap0808b.htm

    Also, please view the text (pasted here) of press release by Jehovah's Witnesses two days ago concerning their policies on the handling of molestation cases:

    JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
    PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
    For Immediate Release August7, 2001
    Statement

    Sexual abuse of children is a terrible crime that can leave lasting emotional scars on its victims. Often, child molesters are attracted to organizations that have children as members, which makes protecting children from sexual abuse a complex and important societal concern.
    Jehovah’s Witnesses condemn child molestation, and they do not tolerate such activity within their membership. If there is sufficient evidence that someone has exploited children in this way, he may be disfellowshipped (excommunicated). A sincerely repentant former child molester may be allowed to remain a member of the faith, but he is strongly warned against being alone with children unless one of the parents or another responsible adult is also present. Moreover, as a protection to our children, former child molesters are not permitted to receive positions of responsibility in our religion.

    If an accusation of child molestation is made against a member of the congregation, the elders immediately work to assure the safety of the victim. Also, they make every effort to comply with the law. This includes complying with laws that mandate reporting the incident to the proper authorities. This is even done when a child is the only one to report the wrong conduct or when the elders received the allegation of molestation in confidence.

    The victim or the victim’s family may also report the matter to the authorities. They have an absolute right to report and none should interfere with this. If you would like to receive more information on how we report such matters, please contact Mario Moreno, Watchtower Legal Department. (845) 509-0416 or (845) 306-1000.
    Contact: J. R. Brown, Director. Public Affairs Office, telephone: (718) 560-5600

    Watch Tower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483 USA.
    Telephone: 718-560-5600 Facmile:718-560-5619

    This statement is misleading. They neglect to mention that if a known pedophile is 'repentant' that they may remain a member of the group in good standing, and participate in most of the activities INCLUDING PREACHING FROM DOOR TO DOOR.

    The general public NEEDS to know that the innocent looking, friendly Jehovah's Witness who is knocking on their door Saturday morning to share a scripture or two could very well be a known pedophile.

    silentlambs.org is an organization devoted to helping victims of molestation inside the Watchtower organization. Here is a link to their website: www.silentlambs.org

    I thank you for taking the time to look at this information and beg you to consider using your position as a respected journalist to bring national attention to this urgent matter.

    Respectfully,
    Lily Paige
    www.wtsurvivors.homestead.com

    I know that you will write great letters and hope that this has been of some help. I'm sure that the pros (Maximus?Zazu?) will chime in with their suggestions.

    essie

    p.s. I haven't ever written to the Society, because I don't think it would get anywhere, since I'm df'd. Hopefully someone else will have suggestions on that subject.

  • Maximus
    Maximus

    First, it's the tone of the letter that is important. Screaming epithets will land a letter in the trash pile. Letters that make a point will be treated differently, makes no difference whether handwritten or typed or computered or the like.

    If you are concerned about your anonymity, make that a point of your presentation.

    Use a pseudonym if you need to, but tell them why you feel you have to do so.

    A blanket condemnation that "you have mislead me from Day One" will not be helpful. State your concerns forthrightly and from the heart.

    If you write honestly "Here are my concerns," and then list reasons why, that can be most helpful.

    If you know someone at Bethel, use their address. Mail will get to anyone addressed to 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn NY 11201. Write any Watchtower Society of your choosing, or the Christian Congregation in Patterson NY. It will be processed the same way.

    Elders will be copied if you write something derogatory about them or if anything in your letter could be construed as grounds for investigation.

    : If I sent a letter to someone specific, like a member of the elite, does some secretary open all mail, even personal appearing mail sent to him.

    Not necessarily, but write with the thought someone could very well open the mail. Handwritten envelopes do better. Policies vary.

    I'm regularly asked if it is appropriate to write questions about the blood policy. Of course it is, but it's certainly better to present your thoughts in a non-challenging way so they don't write you off as merely disgruntled for some other reason. If it is inconsistent to you, tell them why you think it is. You have a right to ask them any question you like, but prudence suggests it is better to do so in a reasonable way.

    I've offered some thoughts off the top of my head, and I hope others will make similar suggestions that will be practical.

    And Waiting still has the floor with her questions as well ...

    Maximus

  • silentlambs
    silentlambs

    Watchtower
    25 Columbia Heights
    Brooklyn, NY 11201

    You may then address your letter to whatever department you wish. Just write it in the lower left corner of the envelope.

    Service Department
    Legal Department
    Writing Department
    Governing Body
    Public Relations Department

    or why not write all five? Also if you do not know what to write, just go to my website and print out my resignation letter and send that. All the points are there and with postmarks from all over the US you make your statement anonymously.

  • Tina
    Tina

    I'm sure as mature adults familiar with how the business world works,no one was going to write a letter with screaming epithets anyway...

    Thanks Essie,your formula is a good one! luv ya,T

  • Maximus
    Maximus

    No screaming epithets, Tina? Thought folks wuz a-gittin' practice here on the bord.

    Let me make one HUGE suggestion.

    Instead of saying something like "disfellowshipping (excommunication)"
    why not be very clear when writing to the media,

    "disfellowshipping (enforced shunning by family and friends)"

    because excommunication may connote just not being able to partake of the Eucharist until the following Easter, when an individual can be reconciled to the Church in the Rite of a Penitent. Use ENFORCED, folks.

    It ain't a matter of choice, you are forced to shun DF/DA or you will surely be shunned yourself. Right?

    Max

  • Tina
    Tina

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