TELL THE MEDIA YOUR STORY...
When it comes to a good story, the press prefers to hear it from a real person, not officials from an organization...
The most effective press comes from supporters who write opinion pieces, highlight efforts they are taking to personally effect change, and letters-to-the-editor of local newspapers!
Do you have a particularly great story or position to share about preserving community-centered schools?
Here are some suggestions for pitching it to the press:
Piggyback off another story...
Did you read an article on the issue of community schools? Write a letter to the editor, explain your story and how it relates to the one recently printed. Be sure to reference the original article, and be timely and newsworthy in order to get it printed.
For a list of MEDIA CONTACTS...
Featuring YOU...
Advocating for community-centered schools? Share your published letter or an open letter to officials - with Friends of Community Schoolsand be featured on-line...
Contact the media in anticipation of a story...Are you aware of actions or events in which officials will take part? Notify the media, describe how your story focuses on "the other side" of the story and your availability for an interview.
Be prepared...
Are you pitching a TV story? Reporters will want additional visual materials related to your personal story that you are willing to share on television.
Expertise & Connectability to Main Story... Do you have particular expertise on an issue related to community schools or interested in preserving and protecting your community school? Keep the media aware of your activities via email or a brief press release sent to print, radio and television news desks.
Be aware of press deadlines...
Did you know there are usually daily or weekly deadlines for letter-to-the-editor and opinion pieces? For electronic media outlets, call before the lunch hour and avoid the late afternoon. Give reporters as much lead time as possible to cover your side of the story.
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