Advocacy Toolkit

Media and Publicity

Introduction

Use the Media as a Tool to Educate Students, Policymakers, and the Public

Getting media coverage on an issue can be one of the most effective and fruitful tactics to educate the public and influence policy. To be successful, remember to:

• Stay current by reading the newspaper.
• Develop a media contact list of reporters who covers your issue.
• Find out who else is working on the issue and what they are saying.
• Consider timing and establish a hook that will attract the media's attention. It is much easier to get media attention if you can time your story or op-ed to a recent news story or event, such as when a state agency releases a new report, a national leader addresses the issue, or your group is hosting an event.