Getting the Word Out Holding a Town Hall Meeting Heather West, MEd. American Cancer Society Community Manager – Health Initiatives
Holding a Town Hall Meeting: Objectives Identify steps to plan an effective Town Hall Meeting. Provide tips on how to promote your event. Offer examples of supporting documents used to implement a Town Hall Meeting.
Planning a Town Hall Meeting Planning Committee Objectives Format
Planning Committee: Make Selection Early Form Partnerships Utilize Resources Define Responsibilities Plan Manage Promote
Bringing the Community Together Identify Objectives: Bringing the Community Together Under a Common Goal Create Awareness vs. Call to Action What’s your issue and what do you want people to know or do? Empowering or Informative
Format: Panel Media Roundtable Policy Panel Policymakers and General Public Media Roundtable Reporters Policy Panel Recommendations/Findings from Public Input
Logistics When, Where, Etc.
Location, Location, Location: Location is Key! Set the tone of your event. Make Determination Early Accessibility Parking Meets Format Needs Neutral Ground Public Library, Community Centers, Hospitals, Universities
Finding the Right Date: Equally Important Coordinate with Key Policymakers and other VIPs Scout Community Calendars Avoid Competing Community Events
The Panelists: Experts In the Field Broad Range of Experience Local Angle Well Prepped Define Roles, Event Background, Informal Prep Session
The Facilitator: Community Figure Neutral Party Seen as a “Collaborator” Responsible for Facilitating Panel Discussion and Fielding Questions
Staffing the Event: Who is job is it anyway? Media Requests Meet and Greet Panelists and the Audience Distribute Materials Record Comments/Questions Manage Equipment
Achieving the success you want and deserve. Event Promotion Achieving the success you want and deserve.
Getting the Media Out: Media Advisory Alerts the medial of your event News Releases Provides content for reporters to use Press Kits Provides details for reporters who cover the event
It’s Not Just the Media: Personal Invites Other Meetings/Organizations Event Calendars Flyers/Posters Letters to the Editor
The Day is Finally Here….. The Town Hall Meeting The Day is Finally Here…..
Ready, Set, Go: Room Set Up Meeting Implementation Facilitate Interviews
What’s Next?
Wrapping Things Up: Press Release Follow-up with Media Representatives Thank You Notes Debrief Action Plan/Report Celebrate Your Success!
Resources: www.cancer.org www.samhsa.gov www.jointogether.org www.rwjf.org www.ebasedprevention.org
Thank You!! Heather West heather.west@cancer.org 785.472.4075 1.800.ACS.2345 www.cancer.org