PUBLIC AFFAIRS D11NR 2008 Workshop Welcome to the A-TEAM

1. PUBLIC AFFAIRSD11NR 2008 WorkshopWelcome to the A-TEAM Eric J. Hébert, ADSO-PA 11NR · Jerry S. McAlwee, ADSO-PA 11NR

2. Objectives • UNDERSTAND the importance of U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.C.G. Auxiliary and District Public Affairs Policies. • DEMONSTRATE the rules for releasing information utilizing SAPP. • STATE the guidelines for releasing information to the media regarding Coast Guard activities and missions. D11NR Public Affairs Team

3. Why? Deal with the media? D11NR Public Affairs Team

4. Because! • Public Has Right To Know! • Prevention – Public Affairs Saves Lives! • Recruiting / Retention / Motivation • Fiscal Support • Community Role • Lead By Example • Convey Safe Boating Values • Public Affairs is Everybody's Job! D11NR Public Affairs Team

5. Can be an official Coast Guard Spokesperson AND BECAUSE YOU! D11NR Public Affairs Team

6. ... make available to the public all information… except that which is restricted by law. This is to be done in a forthright and expeditious manner. USCG Public Affairs Policy D11NR Public Affairs Team

7. USCG Public Affairs Policy • Withholding Information • Bad News Doesn’t Improve With Age D11NR Public Affairs Team

8. Spokesperson Requirements • Speak Confidently / Authoritative • Open, Frank, and Honest • Stick to the facts • Don’t speculate • Never lie • Don’t promote D11NR Public Affairs Team

9. “S.A.P.P. Guidelines” Security Accuracy Policy Propriety D11NR Public Affairs Team

10. Responsibility “If you do it or have responsibility for it, you can talk about it – if not, DON’T” D11NR Public Affairs Team

11. Welcome to the A-TEAM • How DO you talk to the media? D11NR Public Affairs Team

12. DO’s • Plan ahead • Only the facts • Always “on the record” • Discuss only the case D11NR Public Affairs Team

13. DO’s • No slang or jargon • No “inside” jokes • Be professional • Not over/under estimate reporter • Give credit to assisting agencies D11NR Public Affairs Team

14. DO’s • If in any doubt, contact and confer, with a Public Affairs Staff Officer prior to interfacing with the media or public. • Notify your Public Affairs Staff Officer and/or your elected unit leader. D11NR Public Affairs Team

15. What if you don’t know an answer? “ I don’t have the answer for you right now, but I’ll have someone get back to you. ” AND FOLLOW UP! D11NR Public Affairs Team

16. Will the public understand this? “ We got a DF and then got underway on the AUXFAC. We passed the Morse A to where the P/C with 3 POB was TOW. We found 3 PIW, none wearing PFDs. Our EMT treated them while we RTBed and then we closed the case. ” D11NR Public Affairs Team

17. OR This? “ We received a call for help and jumped in our rescue boat. Offshore we found a vessel sinking. We rescued three people from the water and they were lucky we got there quickly because they were not wearing life jackets. We returned to the marina where the ambulance met us. Everybody is fine. ” D11NR Public Affairs Team

18. Command Message • Wearing Life Jackets Saves Lives! • Boating Sober Saves Lives! • Taking Boating Safety Classes Saves Lives! • Getting Vessel Safety Checks Saves Lives! D11NR Public Affairs Team

19. That’s a wrap! Questions? D11NR Public Affairs Team