Massachusetts Women of Today

1. Massachusetts Women of Today Public Relations Jerry Sullivan and Iva Mooney

2. Getting Started What is Our Image? What are our own communications? News Releases – Format Newspapers – Typical News Releases Letters to the Editor Newspapers – Other Ways to Advertise TV And Radio WEB Sites Example Brochure Flyers Media Kits Marketing Checklist - Public Relations Campaign Create A Strategy USWT Public Relations Promotions USWT Public Relations Awards Overview

3. Getting Started – Know Us • Get/create a chapter fact sheet • Get contact info on: • National, State, and Chapter PR/Newsletter/WEB Officers • Get USWT emphasis months sheet • Get a calendar of planned events

4. Getting Started – Know Them • Make a list of your media sources and their contact info • Newspapers,TV, Radio, Local Cable TV - & their WEB Sites • Community Newsletter/Web site, Town WEB sites • Library newsletters/Web Site • Local School & PTO newsletters/Web Sites • Be sure to check their deadlines and requirements

5. What is Our Image? • Logos • Letterheads • Business Cards

6. What are our own communications? • Newsletters • National : Today’s Leader – $15 for yearly subscription • State : Calliope - free quarterly • Chapter • WEB • National : www.uswt.org • State: www.mawt.org • Local • Chelmsford : www.cwotma.org • Norton: www.geocities.com/nwotoday/

7. News Releases - Format • Write a news release in an inverted pyramid format • the most important detail first (what, when, where, time, etc.). • The next paragraph includes the why – a chance for a little education and information exchange. • The last paragraph should be a standard paragraph about your organization: “…The Yourtown Women of Today is a volunteer community service group open to members over the age of 18. The Yourtown chapter meets at … for more information call Suzie Q at 555-1234 or check out www.chapter.org” • Always include your contact info and requested publication date

8. Newspapers – Typical News Releases • Non-profit groups are rarely charged a fee for their articles • Such articles might include • Monthly meeting announcements in Club/Calendar news section of paper • Fundraiser announcements for charities • Community service project announcements • Sponsorship of free public speaker events • Announcements/Pictures of Club Conventions, Club award winners, recently elected officers

9. Letters to the Editor • You can write a letter during an “emphasis” month. • Great way to get publicity during inactivate periods • Topics might include • Did you know about USWT and why people should join.. • Mention a current or past project and indicate why readers should get involved

10. Newspapers – Other Ways to Advertise • Guest Contribution & Columnist • Feature Articles ( written by paper) • Classified Ads (Not Free) • Display Advertizing (Not free)

11. TV And Radio • Public Service Announcements (PSA) • Interviews – including local Cable TV shows • Local Cable TV Bulletin Board • Invite Local TV, Cable TV, Radio to cover your event

12. Organizational Info Contact Info Calendar of Events Links to other Sites Access to: Flyers Brochures Registration forms WEB Sites

13. Flyers • Flyers can publicize a chapter and/or an event • When you post flyers: • Compile a list of places to post • Then divide list up among volunteers who will do the “posting”

14. Example Brochure - Outside Fold in thirds

15. Example Brochure - Inside Fold in Thirds

16. Media Kits • Contents can vary • Distributed to: • Conventions • Press conferences • Major event • Distribution time: • 4-6 weeks prior to event to news agencies

17. Marketing • Informational Display or Booth at Fairs & Expos • Community service display area at Historical Society • Awards • Get Your logo Out there: T-shirts, Mugs, Signs, Pens • Mail Postcards or phone new town residents to join

18. Compile list of media sources & contact info Decide what kind of promotional materials to use for event: brochures, flyers, posters, ads, etc.-- Prepare and distribute them Send news release to the newspapers. Send public service announcements to TV and radio stations. Contact the radio and TV sources - ask for an interview at their station. Should be free Post news releases to relevant WEB sites Organize a press conference, if needed. Take photos of preparation activities for the event. See if newspaper will independently cover event/preparations Clip all articles and photos for project book record keeping. Write “thank you” notes to newspaper, radio, TV and any contacts for any help they provided. Checklist - Public Relations Campaign

19. Create A Strategy • Remember Emphasis Months • Remember media deadlines

20. Founders Day July 1 Celebrate our anniversary Friendship Day First Sunday in August Do something social Fellowship Builder August plus other times in year Includes Friendship Day & 3 Socials Women Of Today Week Last Week in September Encourages USWT events that week Make a Difference Day Last Saturday in October Help needy person that day Volunteer Recognition Week 3rd or 4th week in April Do volunteer work that week Buckets of Sunshine All year round Donate items to the needy USWT Public Relations Promotions

21. USWT Public Relations Awards • Outstanding State Public Relations Chairman • State Presidents or VP’s may make nominations. • Outstanding Local Public Relations Chairman • Local chapter presidents, state PR contacts, State Presidents or VP’s may make nominations • Outstanding State Public Relations Campaign • Goes to a state as a whole • State PR contacts, State Presidents or VP’s may make nominations • Outstanding Local Public Relations Campaign • Goes to a chapter as a whole • Nominations may be submitted by state contacts or by the chapter

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