1. How to Create an Office of Public Information Meagan Dorsch NCSL-Denver (303) 856-1412 Meagan.dorsch@ncsl.org

2. Public Information Office ► Purpose:  Office for external/internal communications ► Manage media requests ► Monitor media coverage ► Release information to public, media and colleagues ► Press releases, speeches, promote work of the legislature  Crisis communications ► Develop a plan ► Sell the plan  Media relations training ► Training spokespersons ► Key message points

3. Public Information Office Tips ► What it takes to start: ► A computer with Internet access, Intranet access, e-mail and word processing software ► Standard telephone, cell phone, PDA / Blackberry ► Fax machine ► Standard office supplies ► Furniture ► Local phone book and legislative directories

4. Public Information Office ► Tools of the Trade:  Digital camera  A photo-quality laser printer / scanner  Audio recorder and editing software  A library  Media Directories  Broadcast fax software  Desktop publishing software  Television / video recorder  Video camera / editing software  Personal

5. Public Information Office Strategies: What kind will you use? Examples ► Dated campaign (30 days, 6 months, 1 year) ► Targeted public campaign (students, adults, educators, opinion leaders, media) *General -- too broad!! ► Strengthen internal capacities ► Aggressive / passive / ongoing outreach ► Use sources designed to reach the most people ► Limit outreach to free resources ► Train credible spokespersons

6. Public Information Office ► News releases ► Flyers/Posters ► VideoWeb Site(s) ► Blogs ► Podcasts/vidcasts ► List serve ► Direct mail ► Newsletters ► Media outreach ► Online news rooms ► Focus groups ► Polls ► Photography ► Television programs ► Paid media campaigns ► Annual reports ► E-mail blasts ► Speaking engagements ► News conferences ► Events ► Op-Ed pieces / Ed. Letters ► Widgets ► Community meetings ► PSA campaigns ► Social media ► Others?

7. Public Information Office ► Examples:  White House  Sports Teams  United Nations  Bono  NCSL

16. How to Create an Office of Public Information Meagan Dorsch NCSL-Denver (303) 856-1412 Meagan.dorsch@ncsl.org