10 Tips to Get Press for STANDFast
1. Make your event newsworthy.
Do something that will interest the press. This may be having a strong speaker or getting a large number of people involved. It may involve some kind of cool event – like a break the fast, concert, or competition.
2. Get Familiar With the Process.
Check out the Media Timeline to learn which steps to take and when to take them.
3. Send Out a Press Release.
Get more info here.
4. Remember your school paper.
Most high schools and colleges have newspapers and other forms of media – those should always be the first places you contact!
5. Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor.
You don’t need to work with reporters to get attention from the press. Click here for tips on how to write an Op-Ed or letter and here for some great samples from last year’s DarfurFast.
6. Invite Notable Fasters.
Local politicians like mayors or state representatives, religious leaders, popular teachers and administrators, and all kinds of local celebrities will help you attract the press. See our tips on inviting local celebrities for more ideas.
7. Work with outside groups.
The larger your on-campus coalition is, the more likely the press will cover it.
8. Explain why civilian protection is different.
The GI-NET civilian protection program is a groundbreaking program in many ways, and the press will want to know that. Explain the program clearly and say why your chapter thinks it’s important in all communication with the press. Click here for more info on Civilian Protection.
9. Talk about STAND.
Use the time in the spotlight to highlight the other things you’re doing this year. Talk about how other groups are doing this all over the globe and how you’re part of a fast-growing international movement. The press will want to hear this; it provides a new and interesting angle.
10. Contact the STAND Media Team.
Just e-mail media@standnow.org and a student from the team will work with you to get media attention. They’ll brainstorm with you, help you write and edit releases, and provide a list of contact information for media outlets in your area.
