Stimulating Hometown Media Coverage Public Relations 2008 Boys State Directors Conference Stimulating Hometown Media Coverage

Pre-Event: Public Relations Encourage post media advisories Encourage personal contact with local media – SELL THE STORY Boys State promotional video Testaments of graduates Post websites Develop master media contact list for all

MAKE NEWS across your state Public Relations MAKE NEWS across your state We all agree -- people don’t join organizations they know nothing about, Or, organizations that do nothing for them. Successful organizations grow not only because they are good but because they are true practitioners of public relations. This morning we’re going to present some ideas on making your American Legion Post not just a building in town…but the vibrant active home of busy veterans helping the community. Its all about……..

Individual Local Media List for Each Participant Public Relations Individual Local Media List for Each Participant Daily, weekly newspapers; television stations; talk radio stations; high school newspaper Post should have each participant fill out with complete contact information. VISIBILITY. The more often The American Legion is seen by the public…in the Newspaper On Television, On the Radio, or At major public events, the more they learn about our great programs and ADVOCACY FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

How to keep the media fed Public Relations The Event: Boys State Week How to keep the media fed Churchill once said, “It is better to be making the news than taking it; to be an actor than a critic.” How right he was. So, to get maximum visibility, become a newsmaker in your community. Its easier than you think. PERCEPTION IS REALITY. Do a self analysis of your Post.

Public Relations Assign staff member or volunteer as full time media relations representative Pitch radio interviews with participants, staff, and graduates Email photo-caption stories to hometown print media Shoot B-roll of activities; pitch availability to assignment editors and reporters As a nation at war, national security if a major story. So is veterans health care. Every town loves to localize a national story. So, Localize -- NEXT SLIDE

Post Event: Public Relations + The best is yet to come Bring the story home. News release, interviews, local petition drive, call elected officials, etc. Comments on local VA facilities from personal experience. HQS Website has current issues and news releases. Become a resource for your local media in issues of importance to The American Legion. Goal: Be in your local reporter’s rolodex.

Continue the Momentum Public Relations Write master follow-up release tailored to each participant Market to media with offer of interview Send to high schools of participants

Public Relations Contact local TV morning news shows for in-studio interview opportunities with video shot during Boys State Promote post dinner events with local participants to media – Invite the mayor, local pols

Community Visibility Public Relations In the media -Throughout the state = Program Growth In addition to current issues, hold public events. In May of 2005, The American Legion will take the lead in saying ‘Thank you’ to our armed forces in Everytown, USA. I’ll discuss in a moment.

Public Relations 2008 Boys State Directors Conference Membership through Service – and good public relations.