Old School: How to get a front page print story about your public meeting / action

Gamaliel Organizers Retreat June 2013

Gordon Mayer, 312-676-2818

Stories… in the news?

‘Facts Are

Meaningless’

Keep it simplewatermark consulting

What will you edit out?

Megan L. King, http://www.mlkandtoast.com/

1. Package

Pitching reporters

Use reporter speak 1: story types

• Poster child• Problem to solution• Then and now (it used to be… but

now…)• Cliches and common phrases• Play off current events• Rule of 3—3 facts, 3 numbers• I stories

Use reporter speak 2: story titles• How We Began/Who Influenced

Us/Founders• Obstacles Faced and Problems Solved• Where I Got This Idea• Values in Action• Before we came on the scene/ After

we did our thing• Accomplishments, Victories, Feeling

good!

Use reporter speak 3: story themes• Oh No!...disaster, tragedy, bad news• Yes!...victory, agreement,

improvement• Wow!...extreme, unique event• Hmmm!...thought-provoking,

stimulating• Rituals...opening days, funerals,

birthdays• News You Can Use...helpful

information

ToMakeNews,YouNeedTo DoorCreate Something

Man bites Dog, Peter Blapps, from flickr

2. Practice

Prepping spokespeopleUnderstand that you may have been victimized at some point in the past, but never play the victim

--Shani Smith,

SOUL

Are these on your list?

1,000,001 releaseshttp://bit.ly/cmwtool

“Do youhave aminutefor meto pitchyoua story?”

Pitch

Thanks!

Gordon Mayer, NPA312-676-2818

Ameca Valley, Jalisco, MexicoStoryteller Figure, A.D. 100/800

Art Institute of Chicago