Interfaithimmigration.org

Welcome to this month’s Webinar on

Utilizing MEDIA to deepen & broaden your impact to win Immigration Reform!

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

Call and Webinar will begin at 2:00 p.m. EST

For audio, please dial 805-399-1000 and enter access code 104402. The audio and visual portions are NOT linked. You

must dial this number to hear the audio portion of the webinar.

4:00 Welcome & overview of call

4:05 Federal and State Updates, Need for action on family unity

4:15 The Media: Why they’re important, how to get their attention and execute

events that further your mission.

4:35 Updates from the Field: Success stories on neighbor to neighbor visits

4:45 Q&A

4:55 Conclude

AGENDA

Federal Updates

URGENT NEED FOR ACTION ON FAMILY UNITY: We have become aware that the Senate bipartisan proposal would eliminate certain family-based visa categories - siblings and adult children in particular. Now is the time to weigh in with Senators that we cannot accept any proposal that makes it harder for people to reunite with their families. Immigration reform must also strengthen - not weaken - the family immigration system. Call 1-866-940-2439 or the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121, or find your Senator's direct phone numbers at www.senate.gov. Please see the compiled faith statements on recent family immigration hearings and a recent Washington Post article on this proposal.

UPDATE ON HEARINGS, TIMING OF BILL DROP

State Updates

Tuition Equity/ In-state Tuition• KS- defending current policy of in-state tuition• PA- Bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Smucker• CO Senate & OR House Passes Tuition Equity Bill• NY -financial aid for undocumented• IN roll-back in-state tuition to cover more students retroactively DACA and Eligibility for State Drivers License (DL):• AZ Bill introduced for to give DL to DACA• MI now provides DL for DACA • NC introduced bill to keep “No Lawful Status” from being printed on DACA DLDrivers License for Undocumented• IL Passed; KY Passed Senate; OR, CA, TXResolutions for Common Sense Immigration Reform in CA, FL,NJ,TX, NV & Boston, Philly, Pima County, Providence, San Juan Already Passed: Tucson, Riversid,e Cudahy, El Paso, El Paso CountyAnti-Immigrant laws: Arizona introduces SB 1120, to repeal SB 1070TRUST Act: CA, MA, CT, WA

We need an immigration system that prioritizes family unity. We oppose the elimination or weakening of current family visa categories. We support an increase in family-based visas so U.S. citizens and greencard holders (lawful permanent residents or LPRs) don't have to wait years to be reunited. At minimum, there should be a temporary increase in family visas to clear the current backlog with integrity. We support provisions in the Reuniting Families Act to reform the family-based visa system:

• Increase the per-country cap from 7 percent to 15 percent to reduce backlogs• Recapture unused visas for use in the following year• Reclassify the spouses and minor children of greencard holders (LPRs) as

immediate relatives and re-allocate visas saved to the other existing family categories While we agree that employment visas should also be increased, we oppose any measures that try to expand the employment visa system at the expense of the family immigration system. It does not need to be a zero sum game. Congress should increase both family-based and employment-based visas.

Family Unity Talking Points For Lawmakers

• Talk about your own family and/or families in your congregation or community, and what it would mean if the government prevented them from reuniting with their sibling or adult children

• “Many hardworking immigrants who put down roots here have to wait for years to bring their brother or sister or adult child to our nation. Instead of working to bring these families together sooner, some in Congress are trying to reduce family visas and keep them separated forever. Any politician who goes along with this scheme rejects family values and turns his back on the faith community.”

• “Parents and children don’t stop being family when children grow up. The deep bonds

between brothers and sisters lasts a lifetime. Members of Congress know this, and how much pain and harm restricting family visas would cause. Keeping these loved ones apart is wrong.”

• “Playing politics with the fate of immigrants’ families is no way to build bridges with the faith community. Any politician who tries to take away visas from siblings and adult children of citizens will regret it.”

Family Unity Talking Points For Media

Media: What’s the point?

The goal of media coverage should

always be to further your mission by

reaching your target audience with an effective

message.

“All press is good press” isn’t true in

today’s sensationalistic

media environment.

In other words, media coverage is

NOT an end in itself.

Signs, props and banners can make the difference between broad coverage and no media attention at all.

Effective visuals are clear, relevant to the issue, and understandable to people without religious backgrounds

Visuals!

TimelinessPolitical relevance: events should coincide with major, relevant political developments.

Current events: Major breaking news can provide a hook for you to latch onto.

Symbolic significance: Connecting the timing of your event with a relevant holiday or anniversary

can increase your chances of coverage.

Timeliness

Politicians are media magnets, but must be

handled with care. Make sure:

•They are relevant to your issue (the mayor’s opinion on the federal budget doesn’t matter).

•They don’t totally overshadow your message.

•They aren’t in the midst of scandal.

Elected Officials

Strange BedfellowsUnlikely allies or unique partnerships get journalists’ attention. Some examples:• Liberals and conservatives• Business leaders and faith leaders• Clergy and law enforcement• Anyone commonly assumed to be on opposite

sides of an issue

Strange Bedfellows

•Government buildings, capitols

•Detention centersPlaces where significant,

relevant things happen:

•Memorials and monuments•Historic locations•“Scene of the crime”

Places with symbolic value

Locations! Location! Location!

TimingYour events need to be at a time of day that works with journalists’ schedules:

Press conferences should happen on a weekday, preferably Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday

Ideal times for these events are 11:00 a.m. or between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Prayer vigils can be at night (especially candlelight vigils), but weeknights are better than weekends.

Timing

TurnoutThe number of people attending your event is a critical detail for

media. If you’re expecting an impressive turnout, be sure to let

the media know.

But be realistic, not optimistic. Exaggerating attendance can result in

poor media coverage and loss of credibility with

reporters.

Turnout

Alerting the media to your eventGive them sufficient advanced notice

• Email a Media Advisory to targeted reporters several days before the event • Email it again the day of the event • Call them and urge them to come

A good media advisory…

• Is short, simple, and clear in format• Includes all logistical details of the event and clearly explains the newsworthiness• Includes contact information for the point-person

Alerting the Media

Prominent Arizona Clergy Form “Emergency Delegation,” Bring Message of Moral Urgency to DC Immigration Debate

Meet with U.S. Reps, Senators, White House to Urge Reform in Light of Extreme Anti-Immigrant Law in AZ

WASHINGTON, DC—An “emergency delegation” of evangelical, Jewish, Catholic, and mainline Protestant Bishops and other prominent religious leaders from Arizona will fly into Washington, DC, tomorrow for a series of meetings with Congressional leaders to press immediate action on comprehensive, humane immigration reform and deliver a message of moral urgency from Arizona, which just enacted the most severe anti-immigrant law in the country, SB-1070. The Arizona faith leaders will be available in the Russell Senate Office Building, outside Suite 241, on Thursday from 11:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. for media interviews.

[Continued on next slide]

Sample: MEDIA ADVISORYMay 11, 2010CONTACT: Kristin Williams, Faith in Public Life, 202.XXX.XXXX

WHAT: Media availability with Arizona faith leaders in DC as an “emergency delegation” on immigration reform and the anti-immigrant law in Arizona

WHO: The Most Reverend Gerald Frederick KicanasBishop of the Tucson Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church Bishop Minerva G. CarcañoBishop of the Phoenix Area, The United Methodist Church The Reverend Monsignor Richard William O'KeefeEpiscopal Vicar, Yuma - La Paz Vicariate Immaculate Conception Parish WHEN: Thursday, May 13, 2010, 11:45-12:15 pm WHERE: Outside Suite 241 of the Russell Senate Office Building (Senator McCain’s office)

###

•This person needs to be the point of contact for any media requests. •He/she must be able to connect reporters directly and quickly with speakers •He/she must be able to answer any issue-based or organizationally focused questions. •He/she must be punctual and reliable, and have clear communication skills.

Every event needs an organizer

responsible for outreach to and communication with the media.

The Organizer

Speaker managementParticipants in your event must:

• Know the logistical details of the event • Be committed to punctuality• Be committed to advancing your agreed-upon message

Your leadership must:

• Determine what spokespeople’s central message should be• Draft talking points for spokespeople to stick to • Communicate expectations to spokespeople

Someone needs to manage your speakers

Core Messaging for Media

• The core message is the simple argument you want the audience to remember an hour after reading or seeing your media coverage.

• Clearly getting the core message across is the primary goal of any interaction with the media.

Effective Messages Are

• Personal• Moral and/or religious• Concrete• Simple• Specific • Brief

Messaging for Media

CORE MESSAGE: Even if you’re not born in America, you can be an American. Hardworking immigrants are strengthening our communities, and they deserve a chance to become citizens. Congress needs to create a roadmap to citizenship for new Americans right now and ensure that immigrant families are treated with fairness and dignity.

• SUPPORTING MESSAGE #1: 11,000,000 people, including our neighbors, our coworkers, and members of our congregations, live in the shadows because there is currently no way for them to gain citizenship. 2/3 of these people have been here for over a decade.

• SUPPORTING MESSAGE #2: People of faith believe all people are precious in the eyes of God, and Scripture tells us to welcome the immigrant. Providing a roadmap to citizenship and prioritizing family unity fundamentally reflects these beliefs.

• SUPPORTING MESSAGE #3: Americans come from many different places and backgrounds, but we share a belief in the strong desire for a safe place to raise our families. That’s what has always brought new immigrants here, and it’s something to be proud of.

Messaging for Media

PERSONAL STORIES: If you have direct experience with our broken system – as an immigrant, a relative of immigrants, or someone who works with immigrants – sharing a compelling, morally unambiguous personal story is more powerful than any talking point. The best stories:

• Lead with people first. Avoid starting with context. • Are brief – less than one minute if possible.• Describe injustice and harm done to innocent people and

families.• Highlight inspiring accomplishments by immigrants.• Avoid information that doesn’t reflect well on immigrants.

Letters to the editor get lawmakers’ attention and are one of the most-read sections of the newspaper. Tips for getting them published:• Refer to a specific recent article to which your letter is a

response.• Stick to the word-count limit. (Most papers have a 150-word

limit.)• Mention that you are a faith leader, or refer to the faith

community’s commitment to immigration reform.• Call on your Reps and Senators to support a roadmap to

citizenship and policies that keep immigrant families together.

Letters to the Editor

Original – Are you writing something that’s fresh and different?

Personal – Why are you the right person to provide this point of view? Don’t be afraid to offer personal insights and stories.

Timely – Why now? Finding a good news hook is often the key to getting a piece published. Think about why this piece is relevant now and see if you can work a current event into your piece.

Informative –Make sure the reader comes away from your piece knowing more than they did before. Op-eds aren’t just a chance to rant; they should be educational.

Publishable length – Newspapers have word-count limits, which are published on their web sites. Strictly obey them.

Opinion Editorials

1) Consult IIC and Faith in Public life on media strategy from the beginning of planning. Identify event speakers and locations that are easily accessible for television and print reporters.

2) Connect with your coalition – does anyone have a press list? If there is not, connect with Faith in Public Life to request a custom press list.

3) Be on Message! Craft a core message that frames the issue as a moral one and puts pressure on lawmakers?

4) Send a media advisory to media outlets 2-3 days ahead of time. Put the advisory into the body of an email, do not send attachments. Send again on the morning of the event.

5) After you’ve sent the media advisory to press, make pitch calls to newspapers 2-3 days in advance of event. Place pitch calls to television assignment desks the morning of event.

6) In advance of event, draft a press release that includes quotes from the speakers, and bring print copies of the press release to event.

7) Assign a media point person at the event to collect reporter names, outlets, email, phone numbers. Give reporters a press packet with speaker bios, media advisory and org info.

8) Send the press release. Paste the release into the body of an email and send to media immediately after the event with speaker quotes and emphasizing the outcomes of the event.

9) Monitor the stories about your event and send to the IIC so we can track the progress. You can register your event and give a report back at www.interfaithimmigration.org.

Media Outreach To-Do List

Get Creative!

Drawing on the faith traditions and rituals can make events much more powerful, raising the creative and dramatic tension. Use images and symbolism that draw attention and showcase the faith community’s commitment to working to together for immigration reform.

• Ask Clergy attending to wear collars, stoles, robes and any other appropriate attire • Procession with candles to symbolic location • Invite lawmakers to read scriptures/ sacred texts supportive of immigrants’ rights • Highlight passages in scripture and present to Members of Congress • Collect and deliver prayers for humane immigration reform to your senators and representatives • Make visuals that show the consequences of immigration enforcement policies and family separation

Theological Grounding• Showing hospitality and welcome for newly arrived neighbors

is supported by the sacred texts of all faiths, and is rooted in the inherent integrity and humans rights of all individuals. You may want to integrate these and other texts into the content of your visits or to use them to reflect on how important it is to work with our immigrant brothers and sisters and advocate for justice.

• The Hebrew Bible teaches that “When immigrants live in your land with you, you must not cheat them. Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34, Common English Bible)

• In Christian Gospel texts, Jesus teaches that in welcoming the sojourner, we welcome Jesus himself. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). The ethic between neighbors that Jesus models and teaches for all of his followers to exemplify is found in the Good Samaritan story, when he defines who the good neighbor is as “the one who showed mercy.” (Luke 10:37).

• In Islam, the right to migrate is affirmed in the Qur’an verse "Was not the earth of God spacious

enough for you to flee for refuge?" (4:97)

1) Make a Facebook event and invite friends & post your event on Twitter 2) Images & Graphics: Paste a short message on top of a symbolic image3) Pressuring the Decision Maker: A unique tactic is to tweet at key

decision makers using their Twitter handle. When you use a Twitter handle, (ex:@speakerboehner) that person will see your post.

4) Connect to Interfaith Immigration Coalition: ‘like’ the IIC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/interfaithimmigrationcoalition) & follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/interfaithimm) to share articles and messages

5) Use Hashtags (#) to identify themes and allow for posts to be grouped together. When used on Twitter, it creates a link to a feed of all the tweets using that hashtag. Some popular #s on immigration issues are: #immigration #family unity #citizenship or #faith. You only have 140 characters, so keep #s short and limited to two hashtags per tweet.

Social Media

www.interfaithimmigration.org

Put your event on the map!

IIC Contacts by organization

• African American Ministers in Action: Leslie Malachi, lmalachi@pfaw.org• American Jewish Committee: Chelsea Hanson, hansonc@ajc.org• Bread for the World Institute: Andrew Wainer, awainer@bread.org• Church World Service: Jen Smyers, jsmyers@churchworldservice.org• Disciples of Christ: Sharon Stanely, sstanley@dhm.disciples.org • Episcopal Church: Katie Conway, kconway@episcopalchurch.org • Franciscan Action Network: Marie Lucey, lucey@franciscanaction.org • Friends Committee on National Legislation: Ruth Flower, flower@fcnl.org• Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society: Liza Lieberman, liza.lieberman@hias.org• Interfaith Worker Justice: Michael Livingston, mlivingston@iwj.org • Irish Apostolate USA: Geri Garvey, administrator@usairish.org• Islamic Information Center: Hajar Hosseini, hosseini@islamicinformationcenter.org• Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, Matt Cuff, mcuff@jesuit.org • Jewish Council for Public Affairs: Elyssa Koidin, ekoidin@thejcpa.org• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Nora Skelly, nskelly@lirs.org• Mennonite Central Committee: Tammy Alexander, talexander@mcc.org• Muslim Public Affairs Council: Hoda Elshishtawy, hoda@mpac.org• Sisters of the Good Shepherd: Larry Couch, lclobbyist@gsadvocacy.org• NETWORK: Ashley Wilson, awilson@networklobby.org • Pax Christi: Scott Wright, scott@tassc.org• PICO: Eddie Carmona, ecarmona@piconetwork.org • Presbyterian Church, USA: Melissa Gee, melissa.gee@pcusa.org• Sisters of Mercy of the Americas: Regina McKillip, rmckillip@sistersofmercy.org• Sojourners: Ivone Guillen, iguillen@sojo.net• Union for Reform Judaism: Amelia Viney, aviney@rac.org• Unitarian Universalist Association: Jen Toth, JToth@uua.org • United Church of Christ: Rev. Mari Castellanos, castellm@ucc.org• United Methodist Church: Bill Mefford, bmefford@umc-gbcs.org• UNITED SIHKS: Harpreet Singh, harpreet.singh@unitedsikhs.org• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Kevin Appleby, kappleby@usccb.org• World Relief: Jenny Yang, jgyang@worldrelief.org