How to Organize a Local Invisible Threat Film Screening

Hosting a local film screening and discussion is a valuable tool in raising awareness about the importance of immunizations to protect our communities. Listed below are some important steps to take to ensure your event is a success.

GET STARTED: Congratulations on deciding to organize a local screening of Invisible Threat! We appreciate your support. To begin, contact Lisa Posard, the film’s producer, at [email protected] to tell her of your interest in screening the documentary and to obtain a copy of the Invisible Threat DVD ($10 shipping cost will apply).

VENUE: There are multiple locations to hold a film screening, potential venues could include:  Local school  University or college campus  Library  Movie theatre  Church  Community center

LOGISTICS: We recommend allowing at least four weeks of preparation time ahead of a film screening to finalize logistical details and promote the event in your community. Below are some logistical details to consider:  Consider offering refreshments at your event for attendees and discussion leaders.  Print educational handouts included in this toolkit for viewers who would like additional information.  Arrive at the venue at least one hour before the film is scheduled to be sure that the audio/visual equipment is working prior to the event. You can also set up signs directing attendees to the room.  Follow-up with attendees via email thanking them for their time and encouraging them to talk about the Invisible Threat film with their friends and family.  Print Invisible Threat posters to help promote the film. The poster can be downloaded at www.chstv.com/IT_POSTER.pdf

AUDIENCE: The film Invisible Threat is applicable to everybody, but below are some ideas for potential groups that may be particularly interested in attending your screening. Some of these groups may even be interested in co-sponsoring the screening. Included in this toolkit is an invitation template you can send via email to these organizations.

 Hospitals (general or children’s)  Elementary, middle and high schools (a sample curriculum is available at www.chstvfilms.org)  Elementary schools  School nurses  Colleges and universities  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) chapters  American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) chapters  Immunization coalitions (search www.immunize.org/resources/coalitions-websites.asp))  Film interest clubs  Parenting groups, such as Mommy and Me or Gymboree classes  Pediatrician Offices  OB-GYN Offices  Prenatal classes

OTHER IDEAS:

 Discussion: For a larger screening event, you can have immunization experts available to answer questions from the audience and generate a discussion about the film. Potential participants for a moderated discussion or Q&A with the audience after the film could include:

o Local hospital leadership o Infectious disease doctors, pediatricians or family physicians o Public health officials (immunization program manager, local health department) o Local medical society leadership (AAP, AAFP, AMA, etc.) o Survivor of a vaccine-preventable disease, or an individual who lost a family member or friend to a vaccine-preventable disease

 Media: If you would like to maximize the reach of the screening or gain more recognition for an organization you are working with, it is helpful to invite local media to attend the event and spread the word about the importance of vaccinating. Included in this toolkit is a press release template that you can send to local media including TV stations, radio stations and newspapers.

If you have any further questions about hosting a local screening, feel free to email Lisa Posard at [email protected].