Submit an Opinion

What we’re looking for:

• Original pieces written in your own words for The Rising Tide

• Local perspectives on issues affecting our towns and communities

• Pieces about policies, civic processes, or community impacts (without directly endorsing a candidate or campaign)

• Thoughtful personal essays rooted in life on the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle–Stonington

• Constructive ideas, experiences, or solutions related to local challenges and everyday life

What we’re not looking for:

• Political endorsements for specific candidates or campaigns

• Personal attacks, accusations, or harassment of individuals or groups

• Clear advertisements or promotional pieces for businesses or products

• National or international issues without a clear local tie‑in

• Hate speech, discriminatory language, or content that targets people based on identity

We also ask that you:

• Check your facts and attribute sources when needed

• Disclose any relevant roles or affiliations (for example: town office, board membership, organization leadership)

We reserve the right not to publish submissions that violate these guidelines or fall outside our mission and standards.

What to include with your submission:

Please include the following with every opinion:

• Your full name

• Your town of residence

• A phone number (for our records only; will not be published)

• Your opinion text between 250-750 words, pasted into the form

• You may also upload one photo to accompany your piece. We can’t guarantee we’ll use it; photos will be selected and cropped at our discretion based on space, quality, and relevance.

What happens next:

• You’ll see a confirmation message after submitting the form

• Our team will review your piece and contact you if we have questions

• If your opinion is selected, we’ll publish your name and town with the piece