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Publicity
Media Contacts
Contact lists should include all major media in the area, including
weekly and monthly magazines and newsletters, and cable stations.
In addition to local news media, include local churches and synagogues,
village boards, other civic organizations, and any organization or
group that might possibly be supportive of League efforts in any given
area. Don't forget women’s magazines and publications on political
or social issues. When doing a media blitz, use the sources most likely
to support that issue/program.
Relationships with media
Find out who the contact should be at your local newspaper. Meet with
that person and discuss what major League events are coming up. Find
out what he/she needs from you that will help get your events publicized
and in what timeframe. This person doesn’t need to be the editor.
You may have a newsroom staff person or reporter as your contact.
Make sure you contact the right medium for the message. If your event
has good visuals (e.g., a demonstration or march) you may want to
contact tv as well as newspapers. Many cable stations have training
sessions for individuals. Having a member willing to train would go
a long way toward getting cable coverage of events as well as having
videotape that can be used by other Leagues and/or media.
Publicize as much and as often as possible. Just
because you don’t get coverage for one event, doesn’t mean it won’t
be there for another. Keep trying!
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Press Release
Distribute a press release when the public should know about information
that requires action. A press release offers an opportunity to gain
attention for your League's work, and conveys the idea that the public
needs to be aware of the information your League is presenting.
Suggested Press Release Components
- Date of the Press Release
- Contact Information, including phone number
and email of the contact person.
- THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ______ PRESENTS _________________
(Be specific in the title. What is your League doing?)
- The Introductory Paragraph: Tell the public
which League you are representing, and the basics about this message.
The League of Women Voters of ______is… Are you informing the
public of a League activity? If so, include the title of the event,
the day, date, time and any cost. Will people of note participate
in the activity? If so, include their names. Is there a piece
of legislation the public should be aware of? If so, include the
bill's number and name.
- The Secondary Paragraph: If you have a quote
about the activity or initiative from a League official or someone
of note, include that information in this paragraph.
- The Action Paragraph: Tell the public what
you want them to do with this information. Do they need to make
reservations to attend your event, or contact an elected official
about specific legislation. This is the space to let people know
why this information is important and how it can be used.
- ###
(Above symbol indicates the end of the release)
- About the League: (Tell the media who you are.)
The League of Women Voters of _______, a nonpartisan political
organization, encourages informed and active participation in
government, works to increase understanding of major public policy
issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
To learn more about the League of Women Voters of ______, visit
(insert website address.)
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Bulletin
A good newsletter instills pride in the organization; arouses interest and makes
members want to get involved; informs the reader about priority issues on the
League's agenda and about actions taken by the board; summarizes important events;
praises individuals and groups for work done; celebrates past successes and
inspires new ones; welcomes new members and introduces them briefly; impresses
nonmembers with the variety and effectiveness of League activities; and attracts
the eye with layout, graphics and content.
Suggested Bulletin Features
- Message from the president--to share pride
in the organization, to stimulate thinking about the League and
its mission, to invite participation in upcoming events, to thank
members for contributing to the organization's successes.
- Calendar of upcoming events and related articles--to
encourage participation, but without instilling guilt in those
who choose not to be involved.
- Local League news--to let members know what
their organization is doing (studies, voters service, public forums,
special events) and how they can participate.
- Background information for consensus meetings—-to
promote a well informed membership and encourage attendance.
- Action column--to encourage responses to action
requests that are not time sensitive and to let members know what
action is being taken on their behalf.
- Membership column--to introduce new members,
solicit names of prospective members, invite attendance at new
member events, encourage everyone to make a commitment to membership
growth and diversity.
- Highlights of successes, events and activities
from the state League and the LWVUS — to build members'
understanding of the League as a multi-level organization.
- Contact information--to help prospective members
learn more about the League.
Reprinted from Starting Point (Appendix II.B.10)
More Information for Bulletin Editors
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