Tips for sharing your story
Remember “sharing” time in elementary school? These days, there are more layers and levels of communication than our teachers ever introduced in class. But as a DCPSS partner, you’ve got many more ways to share your story. Consult our partner media guide and spread the word!
WE ARE PARTNERS; HEAR US ROAR
One of the benefits of being part of the Douglas County Partners for Student Success is that we’re all in it together. We take what could be a single voice crying in the wilderness and orchestrate a chorus that sends our joint message to the wider community.
How can you take advantage of that collective voice? Let us count the ways:
- Spread the word about events you schedule that help further education and career planning. Get events on our website calendar by going to http://tinyurl.com/qhf963p.
- Ask your clientele to give a “like” to our Facebook page. If they believe in your mission, these folks already have a shared interest and a stake in seeing our community’s kids thrive.
- Consider writing an article for the DCPSS website. Your piece can either introduce your agency to the wider world as a post at http://tinyurl.com/hfpqgjf or update readers on a program, service or event that shows your mission in action.
- Reach out to other partners to see how you can join forces to reach similar audiences. Need a refresher on who shares your vision for growing employable youth right here at home? Check our partner list at http://tinyurl.com/jewlyth.
- Got a message that needs a wider audience than the DCPSS website? Let a reporter know. You may already have some of these contacts, but see the guide below. (Be aware that turnover is common in print, radio and TV newsrooms. It’s a good idea to check ahead with the news agency to find out who should get your press release).
- Don’t freeze when you hear the words “press release.” Just cover the basic who, what, when, where and why of the story you want to get out. Give the media notice a couple of weeks before an event. Be sure to include your contact information and ideas for good photo ops (students working with STEM materials or taking part in intern duties at your organization).
- KPIC-TV has a noon Spotlight on Douglas County segment consisting of a five-minute conversation with host Donna Spicer. These are single-take, recorded chats about myriad local activities. It’s best to contact Producer Andrew Pitts apitts@kpic.com several weeks in advance of an event to secure a spot.
- KQEN-News Radio also has a live, daily public affairs show from 12:30-1 p.m., during which News Director Kyle Bailey chats with one or two people. Again, if it’s advanced event promotion you’re looking for, contacting Kyle early is your best bet to get scheduled. If it’s an evergreen topic, you may get pick your own date if you plan a few weeks out.
- The News-Review publishes a Schools/Education page each Saturday with columns, news briefs and sometimes small local features on academic-related topics. But the paper also publishes page 1 and page 2 features about school programs and activities. A good place to start is with education reporter Vera Westbrook, vwestbrook@nrtoday.com.
Contact list for KEZI, KPIC, KQEN, The News-Review and Douglas County News
Amber Wilmarth <amber.wilmarth@kezi.com>; Becky Holm <becky@douglascountynews.info>; Kristin Goodwillie <kgoodwillie@kpic.com>; Kyle Bailey <kyle@bciradio.com>; Sara Mattison <SMattison@kpic.com>
