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Safe Routes to School Making Connections with the Media Presented by Deb Hubsmith, Coordinator Safe Routes to School National Partnership Pro Walk/Pro Bike September 2006
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SRTS National Partnership The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, government agencies, school and professional organizations working to advance the SRTS movement. It’s free to join at bikesbelong.org
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Why Focus on the Media? Increases the visibility of your program Attracts more volunteers Boosts credibility with politicians and parents Makes “Safe Routes to School” a hot issue Provides opportunities to pursue additional funding
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Look for Media Opportunities Capitalize on a national or international event Announce new programs or program funding Publicize successes and problems
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Walk to School Day International Walk to School Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2006 and provides a fantastic way to secure media attention to help propel your Safe Routes to School program.
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Marin County, CA Case Study Year 2000 launched SRTS through W2SD Used “Staging Areas” for speeches and got media coverage Visuals: Walking School Buses, Bike Trains, and Kid Signs Treats at School Sign-Up to Volunteer
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Broome, County NY, Case Study Emphasis on W2SD participation led to media coverage Took photos of kids walking and biking and needed improvements Health Department made presentations to school board and city Now gearing up to apply for a grant from the NY DOT
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Your Media Plan Get permission from the school in advance Identify key spokespeople including a parent, student, police officer, school official, and politician and provide talking points Create visuals for the event Plan what happens next after W2SD so that you can announce a key meeting or event through the media
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Types of Media Newspapers (calendar, features, news stories, letter to the editor, editorial page) Radio (PSA, news, feature, websites) Television (news, cable, PSA) Grassroots Community News (websites and newsletters of other organizations)
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Contacting Reporters Make a media list Develop your press release Be sensitive to reporter deadlines when you call Let them know why the story is relevant (traffic, safety, health, community)
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Tips for Interviews Prepare and focus on YOUR key issues Be concise Don’t speak too quickly Be friendly and honest Don’t loose your cool There no such thing as “off the record” Don’t be led into hypothetical situations Say your piece and then stop talking Mention where to get more info Turn the negative into a positive
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Make it Real The media loves stories involving children Use local “star power” It’s not real until it’s in the news, so use the media and make every day Walk and Bike to School Day Save your media clips to pursue funding for your program and capital improvements
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Walk (and Roll) to School Day
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More Information www.walktoschool.org (sample press releases, check-lists and registration for W2SD) Bikesbelong.org (Safe Routes to School National Partnership) www.saferoutesinfo.org (SRTS Clearinghouse)
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