SUGGESTED STORY CONCEPTS TO PROMOTE TO THE MEDIA

Not all press stories stem from events. In fact, many times it is possible to obtain excellent media coverage by issuing a press release, arranging an interview, or suggesting to a reporter that they pursue a specific type of story. Below are some story concepts the media should find newsworthy.

	Learning Circles in Rhode Island During Raise Your Voice—A Week of Action, the University of Rhode Island (URI) will present a series of learning circles to discuss the intersections between sustainability, philosophy, and personal decision-making. While presenting the complexities of global sustainability, organizers are hoping to encourage reflection about sustainability among members of the URI community. Books will be available on loan to interested individuals. To learn about other innovative activities taking place across the country click here.

The Social Impact of Civic Engagement: Suggest to a local newspaper that it develop a story on the positive influence that civic involvement has had on your school’s campus and community. This could include success stories of current students and alumni. It could also incorporate statistics from Campus Compact’s Annual Service Statistics. To promote this story concept we recommend providing a reporter with one or all of the following:

• A fact sheet or press release containing local information on how your college has positively impacted the community;
• Short biographies on current students and alumni who have been involved in community service;
• Case studies of community service projects that have benefited the community; and
• Names and contact information for students, campus officials and community officials willing to be interviewed for the story.

Next Generation of Leaders: This story would focus on how higher education is preparing students to be future leaders and the impact community service is having on students’ interest in public policy. Reporters could incorporate profiles of student leaders, interviews with education experts and elected officials willing to share their thoughts on the next generation of leaders who are coming out of colleges and universities. The following tips may help you encourage a reporter to write this type of story:

• Provide the reporter with bios and other relevant background information on student leaders;
• Offer interviews with on-campus experts, such as professors, student life staff and administration officials; and
• Provide examples of student leaders taking action to improve the community.

Civic Engagement Influencing Career Choices in an Unstable Economy: The youth of America are facing a difficult job market when they graduate. This story would focus on the civic careers that recent graduates are choosing over corporate positions. It could also show how volunteerism helps young people acquire valuable experience and skills that make them desirable to future employers. To promote this type of story to a reporter:

• Draft a press release or fact sheet with relevant up-to-date statistics on where recent graduates are finding jobs (keep the facts as local as possible);
• Invite a journalist to spend the day with a college intern who is exploring a civic or public service career;
• Promote an interview with college placement office officials; and
• Ask prominent local employers to speak to the reporter about the type of skills they seek in new employees.