Public Relations 2007 2008 Children Youth Public Relations

Public Relations 2007 - 2008 Children & Youth Public Relations Workshop

Public Relations How does public relations impact youth programs of The American Legion Family?

Public Relations Make News in Your Communities

Public Relations Visibility Advocacy Frequency …and they will come.

Public Relations Be unconventional! Use “force multipliers” to promote programs

Public Relations Besides the media: School Publications School electronic media Church/Temple bulletins Chamber of Commerce Military Base newspapers / radio / tv

Public Relations Event Awareness Ø Post Newsletter Ø Ø Website Email blitz School Superintendent PTA meetings

Public Relations Four Pillars Information Campaign

Public Relations Advocacy – – – Heroes to Hometowns PERA/Veterans Memorials Post Disaster Prep & Response Troop Support (GWOT) Veterans Legislation

Public Relations Invite School Officials • Community Events: – – – Heroes to Hometowns Blue Star Salute Veterans’ Service Days Disaster Preparedness & Response Child Identification Activities

Public Relations – – Prominent Speakers, Celebrities Fundraising Events Legacy Fund Drives Media Cosponsors

Public Relations Community Relations The art of creating and maintaining face time with force multipliers

Community Relations Audiences • • • “Movers & Shakers” Elected Officials Public Servants Business & Industry Chambers of Commerce • The media • The community at large • Churches • Schools • Nonprofits • Military Units

You are an Ambassador for your post, unit and their Children and Youth Programs Both external and internal audiences

Public Relations • Goals of Community Relations – Educate non choir audiences about your purpose and services – Inside “sales” and support for programs – Ongoing partnerships for mutual support – Become a “Good Neighbor” in the community

Public Relations The Michael Peterson DVD • • • Ideal Tool for Addressing Groups 50% of cost to Legacy Scholarship Fund “It’s Who We Are” Legacy Fund PSAs for TV/Cable Pitch about Fund Included

Public Relations DVD Available for $12 ($10 plus $2 postage and handling) • • • Online by credit card: www. legion. org Toll free: --866 -539 -2509 By Mail (Check or Money Order): Michael Peterson DVD The American Legion P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206

Public Relations – Use Media Tools • News Release • Media Advisory • • • Radio Copy Produced TV-Radio spots Talk Radio/TV Morning News Shows Editorial Board Letters to the Editor Build a media kit

Public Relations INVOLVE YOUTH “Hot” Legion Opportunities Heroes to Hometowns Legacy Scholarship Homeland Security Partnership

Public Relations How to Pitch Media • • • News Peg When Electronic or Print Attention Step Getting Past the Crowd

Public Relations Stand out • Build relationships with local working media • Use accurate titles and names in written correspondence • Follow-up with phone calls

Public Relations Story Ideas • • Child Identification Night Town Hall on Youth Suicide Prevention Personal Story on TFA Family Support Network in Action Post Haunted House with Halloween Safety Youth Disaster Training at Post Be Creative

Public Relations Reach out to kids, their parents, their peers, their teachers and “their” media.

Public Relations Making a Difference

Public Relations 2007 - 2008 Children & Youth Workshop