The heart of an editorial should be a newspaper's commitment to its whole community. The editor and editorial writers need to know the people, the businesses and the issues within their community. They must be "devoted to the public welfare and to public service," as stated in the "Statement of Principles" of the National Conference of Editorial Writers.

Informing one's community may require a few hours of interviewing knowledgeable sources and reading pertinent documents or it may require days of research to unearth the facts hidden by rumor and commonly held views.

Informing one's community means knowing what the community should know.

Persuading one's community likewise requires research and understanding of the citizens' lifestyle, aspirations and needs.

Criticizing actions, decisions or situations within one's community may not please everyone, especially those in authority. Finding fault should not be done to increase readers or to win a First Amendment award; the editorial writer believes the community's well-being will be better served with another course of action.

Praising an individual or action occurs too seldom. Certainly wise decisions by those in authority, a year without violence or a behind-the-scenes worker deserves 40-60 words of public recognition.

So where does the high school editor find what's worthy of attention? Staffs may limit themselves to an editorial board or a staff meeting, but they may find it more satisfying to expand their perspective.

Listen to those in authority

This includes student government leaders as well as the administration.
What do they believe is important? What concerns do they have? Why have they taken the actions they have?

Listen to different segments of your community

This includes the cafeteria and custodial staffs as well as the cliques.
What bothers them? What do they like? What do they want? What do they need to know?

Know other schools

What is happening in other schools and communities of your size?
High school newspaper staffs may develop an exchange list.

Attend government meetings

High school student editors should attend meetings of groups such the school board, PTSA, athletic boosters, academic boosters as well as student council.

High school editorial writers may ask

What changes have taken place in the last two years in their school's

physical plant?
landscaping?
guidance and health services?
security and discipline?
curriculum?
technology development?
extra-curricular opportunities?

High school editorial writers may ask

Are students prepared for future employment?
Are students prepared for college?
Are there programs for all students attending their school?
Are students of diverse backgrounds accepted?
Are students of diverse backgrounds included?
Who makes the school run efficiently?
What programs exist at other schools which could benefit your school?
Are honor codes observed?