The Viewpoints section exists to foster thoughtful community conversation, informed debate, and respectful civic dialogue. Strong local journalism depends on a wide range of community voices, and we welcome submissions from readers across the communities we serve.
We encourage writers to be concise. Letters to the editor should generally not exceed 350 words. Longer opinion essays, guest columns, or “One View” submissions should generally not exceed 500 words unless otherwise arranged with editors. Shorter submissions are more likely to be published.
All viewpoints published by NEWSWELL Chicago publications reflect the opinions of the individual writers and do not represent the views of our newsroom, leadership, board members, advertisers, or affiliated organizations. This standard applies equally to submissions from community members, elected officials, contributors, columnists, and members of our news staff. Everyone published in the Viewpoints section is held to the same standards.
We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, grammar, style, accuracy, and legal concerns. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, writers may not have the opportunity to review edits before publication.
Writers are responsible for the accuracy of factual claims included in their submissions. If you reference statistics, studies, reports, or other factual information, please include sources. Credible sourcing helps strengthen public trust and allows readers to evaluate claims for themselves. Links may be included in online versions of published pieces.
We follow the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, including commitments to seek truth, minimize harm, and encourage civil discourse. We will not knowingly publish misinformation, plagiarism, defamatory material, or submissions that promote hatred, harassment, or personal attacks.
All submissions must include the writer’s full name, municipality of residence, and a phone number for verification purposes only. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Longer essays should also include a brief one-sentence biography identifying the writer.
To be considered for that week’s print edition, submissions should generally be received by 5 p.m. Sunday, though publication timing may vary based on space and editorial needs.