Public Relations

This will be a wonderful year for all the Public Relations Chairman, and I am looking forward to hearing from all of you at every reporting period. It is our responsibility to provide and support our community and the American Legion Auxiliary and let the Community know who we are and what we do.

We can all Buzz around and promote our organization through the news paper, television, radio, community displays and don’t forget the internet. Let’s let others know about our accomplishments and our values. Let the community know that we help our Children, Community and Veterans in many different ways.

To start a successful year it is important to prepare by contacting your members and set up a Calendar for the year.  Plan ahead for your monthly Auxiliary Programs such as Children and Youth for April, Veterans Day or Memorial Day Events, your Installations or Spring and Fall Conferences or information about the American Legion Scholarship programs.  As you organize your year, it is easy to prepare for the MEDIA that best promotes your event.

Public Relation Tools:                                        

Newspapers...Contact the local daily and smaller weekly papers and ask them what features and articles they will print.  Ask their time lines and contact people and phone numbers.  Make a list for easy access.

Radio...Contact the Public Service Directors at each station as they welcome public service information about upcoming events and education material.  Community calendars are free and heavily read.

Television:   There are many programs devoted to the local community which provide access to the public.  There are free Community calendar channels and many stations have room for Human Interest stories and fund raisers.

Periodical...There are numerous newsletters and small local magazines in your area that might publish a feature story or special event at your unit or special county function.  Don't forget our own National News.  Send in for possible publication of a special event that your unit promoted.

Wire Services...The major news services are Associated Press and United Press International.  These services are big time and are very select in their choice stories, BUT if your story or feature is exceptional and the human interest big, what’s there to lose in trying?  Who knows what great things can happen and it goes across the NATION.

Internet...We have to bring ourselves into our new Technology.  The internet is the way of the future and Public Relations.  You can find updates on membership, information on your committees as well as report to your Committee Chairmen.  It’s fast and direct.  The web site address to our Department is: http://www.deptny.org.   Use it today and keep informed!

 Here are a few tidbits for GOOD REPORTING for PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Be sure to use the words "American Legion Auxiliary" in all your articles or any time slots for radio or television.

Make early contact and keep in touch for coverage of an event.  Ask if you can supply your photos and write ups for their consideration.

Treat the reporters and media people with courtesy and respect; remember you will make the impression for the organization. A Thank You is important and will be a reflection of us. Besides, one gets more with honey then vinegar!

Make sure the important facts are listed such as volunteers, thanks to the community support for attendance or monies raised. Be accurate and brief.

Be sure to publicize Department President Karyn's visit to your County or District.  A biography and picture is available on the Department's web site.  Try to arrange an interview in your local newspaper, radio or TV.

News release template for Dept. or Nat'l Pres visit

I will need TWO original copies of the article, please tape these to an 81/2x11 sheet of paper -Banner-Date of article-and actual Article and place in chronological order. It helps to put together the book.  Remember, I am putting together TWO books.

To measure articles and pictures, measure by column inches. Measure the number of inches down the side of an article and multiply by the number of columns across.  For example, if an article is 8'' long (must include the headline) and two columns wide, you will multiply 8 x 2 for 16 inches of publicity.

SUGGESTED PUBLIC RELATION RESOURCES

The resources listed below direct you to programs and services related to the objectives of the National Public Relations Committee.

"Getting Started in Unit Public Relations" This publication provides guidance for the Unit Public Relations Chairman.

 "National News" Our magazine contains a message from the National President, updates from each National Chairman about our programs and features the activities of Senior and Junior members.  This publication is free with membership.

 "This is the American Legion Auxiliary" This brochure provides information about our programs and includes a membership application.

"Writing Tips" This brochure gives you clear, concise tips on proper writing to improve the professional look of your written work.

The American Legion Auxiliary Public Relations Handbook is available through Emblem Sales for $12.95.
Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manuel (look online or in bookstores) are normally $13.75 each.

ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH THE AMERICAN LEGION:

Public Relations Handbook, latest edition “slicks”

Good PR Equals Membership Success – approximately 16 minute video

PSA (Public Service Announcements on CDs

The American Legion Web site offers Media contacts in local areas

DON’T FORGET OUR AMAZING WEBSITE – WHERE THERE IS A WORLD OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE!!

OTHER INFO TO HAVE:

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

 THE LAURA STEGMAN PLAQUE

Awarded to the County with the best publicity book submitted.

MUST CONTAIN COUNTY PUBLICITY ONLY.

AWARD – To the Unit with less than 200 members for a press book containing the best publicity on all American Legion Auxiliary Programs.

AWARD – To the Unit with more than 200 members for a press book containing the best publicity on all American Legion Auxiliary Programs.

RULES:

No special size or type of book is required.

It must include the name of the County, District, the Public Relations Chairman and an annual report.

Newspaper clippings and published photos are acceptable.

Cover sheets must list the Unit name and number and the name of the Public Relations Chairman submitting the book.

Unit books are to be judged on the COUNTY level and the winner is to be forwarded to the Department Chairman by May 10, 2009.

Charlene J. Jarvis
Public Relations Chairman

Click here for NATIONAL AWARDS pdf format

1. Typewritten narrative, not to exceed 1000 words
2. Deadline: June 1, 2010
3. Send to: National PR Chairman: Linda Moseman-Raymond., 5 Knolls Ct Woodstock, NY 12498 E-mail lraymond@hvc.rr.com

1. Judged on 33% each for: design, ease of use, content
2. Deadline: June 1, 2010
3. Send to: National PR Chairman: Linda Moseman-Raymond., 5 Knolls Ct Woodstock, NY 12498 E-mail lraymond@hvc.rr.com

1. Materials and Guidelines:
2. These Press Releases will be used in the National President’s Press Book
3. Include three different articles, highlighting different ALA committees, published in three different months (Nov. 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010
   Deadline: June 1, 2010
4. Send to: National PR Vice Chairman, Karen Lowe, 3714 Golden Grain Dr., Whitestown, In 46075 E-mail kloweala@hotmail.com

1. Web site URL, web master name and contact info
2. Web site must have been created since September 1, 2009
3. Judged on 33% each for: design, ease of use, content
4. Deadline: June 1, 1010
5. Send to: National PR Chairman: Linda Moseman-Raymond., 5 Knolls Ct Woodstock, NY 12498 E-mail lraymond@hvc.rr.com

1. Articles, Newsletters, Pictures of displays promoting the event etc.
2. Deadline: June 1, 2010
3. Send to: National PR Vice Chairman, Karen Lowe, 3714 Golden Grain Dr., Whitestown, In 46075 E-mail kloweala@hotmail.com