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Home > BE A MENTOR > National Mentoring Month > Tips for Working with the Media >

Tips for Working with the Media

When working with your local media, keep in mind that their focus is "of the moment." Television and radio journalists report what is happening now, and rely on you to provide the statistics that go along with the story. Pitch your event no more than one week before and have press kits prepared to give reporters the day of the event with local mentor-mentee stories (be sure to get the proper signed release forms beforehand), information about your organization (most recent newsletter or annual report), and a press release on the event (no more than two pages with boilerplate language about your organization with contact name, phone, e-mail, and Web address at the end).

If possible, facilitate an interview with your board chair—and be sure to prepare talking points to assist your volunteer. Also, stand by in case the reporter needs more in-depth information. Remember, if you don't have the answer, it is okay to say, "I do not have that specific information, but am happy to get it for you. When is your deadline?"

A sample press release, talking points, release forms, ideas for events, and other helpful templates and graphics can be found below.

Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters developed Mentoring: A Guide for Local Broadcasters in partnership with the Harvard Mentoring Project. This guidebook is a useful resource for media outlets interested in participating in National Mentoring Month. The guide includes background information on mentoring, examples of successful station-sponsored campaigns, and a brief listing of national organizations involved in mentoring. Please feel free to use the ideas and information provided to create programs and activities—both on- and off-air—in your communities.

• Your Media Partners – NAB Guide (PDF); sample press release (MS Word) and PSAs (MS Word); double omega pins
• Civic Leaders – tips for advocacy (MS Word)
• General Public – ideas for mentoring events (MS Word)
  
• Download MENTOR's PSA Media Placement Handbook (PDF)