Ecumenical Advocacy on Climate Justice: EQUITY, POVERTY AND THE BALI PROCESS/ROAD TO COPENHAGEN
Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007.
16
Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007
-
Upload
meghan-long -
Category
Documents
-
view
216 -
download
0
Transcript of Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007.
Anti-Poverty Advocacy & the Press: What We’ve Learned
Illinois Poverty Summit Project 1999-2007
2
The Illinois Poverty Summit: Big Vision, Bold Plans
Illinois Poverty Summit is designed to shine a spotlight on poverty and foster community and legislative leadership on poverty policy solutions
Methods include:– Annual Poverty Report - Policy Analysis– Media Outreach - Steering Committee– Events - Partnerships– Legislative Agendas
3
Annual Report and Project Principles
People who work full time should not live in poverty
All people who can work should be given the tools to work toward their fullest potential
A safety net should be provided for those who cannot work
Eliminating poverty is an investment in Illinois’ future
4
Our Media Coverage Successes
We receive annual media coverage on poverty in every county of Illinois.
We have sustained coverage over the years:– 2005 – 99 instances of media coverage– 2006 – 172 instances of media coverage– 2007 – 142 instances of media coverage to date
We have seen in an increase in stories ‘above the fold’ and in series that run for multiple days.
5
How De We Get So Much Coverage?
We use a report as the door-opener
We tailor press releases for each media outlet
We offer a local angle
We are credible and reliable
We add in quotes from leaders
6
Are There Other Factors to Our Success?
We go back to the reporters annually.
We spend time writing and practicing our talking points.
We give reporters considerable lead time and support.
We use multiple mediums including radio, television, websites, blogs, and events.
7
Why do We Invest in Media Communications? Impact!
Raise profile of poverty and hardship
Effect policy and systems change
Help local groups raise needed funds to expand services
Engaging Our Audience
Moving our Audience
to Act
Creating Awareness
Maintaining Relationships
8
What is the Value of Media Coverage of Social Issues?
Media has a role and responsibility to shine a spotlight on these critical, pervasive issues.
Media can educate people and open their eyes to hardship in their own communities.
Media coverage can spur meaningful community discussions on poverty and homelessness.
Media coverage is critical for building political will.
9
What are the Challenges to Good Media Coverage of Poverty?
Poverty seems complicated. Poverty is covered daily – just not in name. Outlets rarely have reporters dedicated to social
issues. Sustaining coverage on an ‘old’ issue is a
challenge. Stories often revert to stereotypes or cookie
cutter approaches.
10
What Is the Role of Personal Stories?
Personal stories put a face to an issue.
However: Personal stories often evoke judgmental
responses. Focus on the person is often to the detriment of
covering the causes and solutions. Reader rarely considers how the issue is
affecting more than one person.
11
What Have We Learned?
1. With considerable investment of time, resources and effort you can get meaningful coverage on poverty. You can be proactive about stories instead of only reactive – but that is no small job.
2. Data and reports are a great door opener to get the media to consider a story.
12
What Else Have We Learned? The Press Release Really Matters
3. Very few stories go beyond the data or information in the press release.
4. Always offer a local angle.
5. Present solutions in tandem with the problem.
6. Quotes from leaders usually get covered.
13
Anything Else We’ve Learned?
7. Make it easy for busy reporters to find what they need.
8. Use different types of media (print, news, web and radio) as different audiences are reached.
9. Know your stuff and be accurate and honest.
10. Reporters and editors need support for poverty coverage.
14
Final Notes: 1. Jargon: We fall prey to it!
Use of “inside baseball” language really affects ability to reach certain audiences– Case management– Comprehensive continuum of care– Endangered populations– Co-occurring disorders
15
2. Leverage, Leverage, Leverage the Coverage
Send to all the elected officials in the coverage area along with your materials.
Share with funders and board members.
Thank the reporters and editors and plan to seed future story ideas.
16
For More Information
Contact:
Amy Rynell
773-336-6074
And visit our website:
http://www.heartlandalliance.org/maip
