Make Yourself a Star!

ACT

For All Girl Scout Levels

Alerting the local press about your activities and achievements associated with the Clean Green Power Patch is an important way to spread the word about clean renewable energy! In the process, you get a sparkling image of yourself out in your community as well. Follow these steps and make the news!

1. Find media outlets to cover your event or project. Besides the well-read area newspapers, try getting an article in the elementary, middle, high school and college papers. Also consider publicity on the local television and radio stations.

2. Call your local media organization or check their web sites to find a contact person in education or local interest reporting. Be sure to get a full name, phone and fax numbers.

3. Prepare yourself to speak directly to your contact person and tell them briefly about the Clean Green Power Patch, what you've done that is newsworthy, and what you want them to do (such as an article, an interview, or to accompany you on your visit to a clean energy site). In addition, be prepared to send (usually by fax with a call to check that they got it) them a press release if they request it.

How to Write a Press Release

1. Type it, and if possible, have the Girl Scout logo at the top with your council's name, troop name, and troop address at the top. This part is called the letterhead and it helps makes it look sharp and important.

2. Underneath, type in a heading. This format works well:
   

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -the date-

   CONTACT: -your name- -your phone number & email-

3. Type in a title in all capital letters that describes your achievement or event. They may use this as the headline.
   For example: LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS BRING ENERGY EXPO TO TOWN COMMON ON EARTH DAY

4. On the next line, type in your town and state in parentheses.

For example: (Shutesbury, MA) -

5. Write an article about your event as if you are the newspaper writer - saving the reporter all the work. Include in your article who what when where and why. Include a few quotes from yourself and others and name the projects sponsors and volunteers.

6. Follow Up! This is very important! Call the reporters who received your press release and ask if they have any questions, would they like a digital photo (if you can offer one), and if they are planning to write an article? Be prepared to re-fax them your news release if need be.

7. Keep your eyes and ears open for your name in the news!