IU Cares Month Planning Guide

Spread the Word Step 5 of 6

Promotion of your IU Cares Month service project is imperative! When you begin planning your IU Cares Month project, it’s not too soon to begin planning your PR.

What information do I need in putting together a publicity plan?

• Keep a running list of each possible outlet for news coverage.
• Get the name of every editor in your area.
• Talk to each editor. Call or visit and find out what the editor wants and how to get coverage for your chapter.
• Obtain the guidelines for submission to each news outlet. Believe it or not, some editors require specific fonts and point sizes for submissions!
• Decide on a budget for any paid publicity efforts.
• Invest in publicity. Purchasing ads in local papers and on broadcast stations will help establish relationships with news outlets at the same time it brings your club publicity. (Check with IUAA for assistance with this.)
• Find a good photographer in your chapter or chapter area.

What makes a good story?
People want to know about other people doing something new or different or impressive and how that impacts the community. If you pique their interest, people will want to know who, what, when, where, why, and how – the six most important words in journalism. That’s why planning your IU Cares Month project and your publicity efforts go hand in hand!

How can your chapter generate increased interest in the event or project?

• Send special invitations to local reporters and editors for big events.
• Invite public officials/legislators to attend. Reporters may follow them to the event and you’ll get a little coverage, too. (Again, check with Debbie Sibbitt in HHE for assistance – especially for in-state chapters.)
• Write letters to the editor – a great way to get your story in the news without asking for coverage.
• Use your chapter Web site, IUAA’s IU Cares Month Web site, e-blasts, and perhaps chapter mailings.
• Distribute press releases provided by IUAA.