Pitching editorial boards is an opportunity that I think gets overlooks all too often because people just don't know how to do it.
Here's a place to start... Determine whether or not your topic is an important issue facing the community at large. Or, is it a topic that will soon generate community-wide interest? If the answer if yes, then I suggest you start preparing your editorial pitch.
Start with the editorial page / opinion editor. Don't expect immediate results. It may take a series of pitches before you secure a meeting. That's your goal... a face-to-face meeting with the board so that you can present your topic.
You may have to go back to editor several times with new information as your story unfolds and present examples of how the community is responding (in favor or or outraged) before you gain a listening ear.
If you are fortunate to secure a board meeting, make sure you come prepared. Have a solid pitch so that you gain the credibility you deserve and are taken seriously. Present any support materials that will help illustrate your point. Use this time to present that facts. I do not suggest asking if they are going to do anything with your pitch or asking them to run a feature on it. Let the information that you share sink in and allow the board some time to discuss it. It is absolutely OK to follow up with the editor after the meeting ~ allow a few days to pass before calling.
Also, make sure that the board you are pitching is indeed one that would be interested in your topic and would be the correct publication to cover the subject.
