(Taken from the March 24, 2006 Act! Speak! Build! Week e-newsletter.)
When you plan a special event or build day, it is important to let the local community know what you are doing. It inspires others to get involved and it grows Habitat’s ministry. Reaching out to the media and receiving positive coverage is a great way to reach a large number of people though a single event.
A press release is the most common form of announcing an event. It’s usually one page and is brief and to the point. It contains your contact information (name, phone number and e-mail) at the top. It explains the event and gives all relevant information, including time, place and date. The press release should also highlight the most interesting aspect of the day so it will grab the reporters’ attention and convince them to write a story about Habitat. [Please note: Press release templates will be provided for Act! Speak! Build! Week each year.]
Send the press release to reporters two to three weeks before the event, allowing them enough time to plan to attend the event or run a story in advance. E-mail is usually the media’s preferred contact method.
On the day of the event, be prepared for the media. Have a check-in area where media can sign in and pick up information about your campus chapter or local affiliate. Have a designated escort available who can show the media the site and introduce them to your designated spokespeople.
For more information, please see the Advocacy Toolkit or the “Media Involvement” section of the Youth Programs Web site.
