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

2. 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

3. 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……..

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Public Relations Assign staff member or volunteer as full time
media relations representative
Pitch radio interviews with participants, staff, and graduates
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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

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