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Connecticut State Grange PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOL KIT
Whether you’re trying to nail down media coverage for your Grange event, remodel your Grange’s image, or construct a larger support base for your Grange in your community, it’s important to have the right tools for the job and to know how to use them. Contact Information
More information on the Connecticut State Grange as well as the Granges across Connecticut can be found on our website: www.CTStateGrange.org
General Contact Information:
Central Office Mailing Address: Connecticut State Grange P.O. Box 1393, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Central Office Physical Address: Connecticut State Grange, c/o Good Will Grange Hall 43 Naubuc Avenue , Glastonbury, CT 06033
Central Office Telephone: (860) 633-7550
For general inquiries / information: [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange President: Jody Cameron [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Secretary: Edith Schoell [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Program Coordinator: Margaret Bernhardt [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Legislative Director: Alma Graham [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Agriculture Director: Jonathan Russell [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Community Service Directors: Jeff and Debbie Barnes [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Public Relations Co-Director: Terri Fassio (714-600-6342) [email protected]
Connecticut State Grange Public Relations Co-Director: Robert Charbonneau (203-237-4617) [email protected]
2 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Table of Contents
Introduction...... 4 What is Public Relations? ...... 4 News Values ...... 5 How to Capture the Media’s Attention ...... 6 Developing the Story ...... 7 The Benefits of Positive Spin...... 8 The Art of Proofreading...... 9 Press Release 101...... 10 Press Release Writing Tips ...... 11 Sample Grange Press Release ...... 12 Sample Press Release Cover Letter ...... 13 Media Alerts ...... 14 Public Service Announcements ...... 15 Strategic Usage: Press Release vs. Article...... 16 Formula for a Well-Written Article...... 16 Tips for Writing a Winning Article ...... 17 Sample Grange Article ...... 18, 19 Digital Photography Tips...... 20 Digital Photography - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly...... 21 Branding and Identity ...... 22 Using the Grange Logo ...... 23 Connecticut Media List ...... 24, 25, 26 What is the Grange? ...... 27 List of Connecticut Granges ...... 28 The Grange in Connecticut ...... 29 Mission and Vision Statements ...... 30, 31 Who’s Who ...... 32 The Grange in the Community ...... 33 Notable Connecticut Grange Accomplishments ...... 34 Grange Legislative Action ...... 35 Importance of Grange Internet Presence...... 36 The Connecticut State Grange on the Internet...... 37 Effective Member Communications ...... 38 Ideas for Improving Member Communications...... 39
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 3 Introduction
Public relations is vital to the success of the Granges across Connecticut. You may have heard “I see the building every day but never knew what it is used for,” or “Aren’t they a group of farmers?” No matter how important you personally feel the Grange is to your community, you should not expect that everybody will know what the Grange is, or even know that the Grange exists.
The more visibility the Grange has, the more positive community support it will attract, the more pride the membership will have in the organization, and ultimately the more members it will gain. It’s a simple formula.
Communication is essential to Grange success, both internally and externally. Favorable media exposure means recognition in the community, acknowledgement of Grange activities, services and accomplishments and a higher profile of your Grange among potential members. Internally, it will help build pride in membership that will grow a more successful Grange. From building awareness and credibility to supporting fund-raising efforts, well-executed public relations efforts can make the difference between achieving the Grange’s goals or falling desperately short of them.
Our focus with the Grange Public Relations Tool Kit is to improve the communications skills of our Connecticut Granges. With a little advance preparation, each Grange can ensure that they are ready for any marketing or public relations opportunity that comes along. Included in the following pages are all the tips, tricks, important Grange information, and tools every Grange will need to explore different communications methods, and implementation strategies that will deliver the greatest impact.
What is Public Relations?
A basic definition of public relations is “to shape and maintain the image of an organization or individual in the eyes of various publics.” What is a “public” exactly? A public, in PR terms, is anyone who ever has or ever will form an opinion about the organization or individual.
Depending on the nature of the work, these publics could include current members, potential members, the local community, members of the media, students, parents of students, online fan groups, customers -- the list is endless.
Public relations success requires an understanding of the interests and concerns of each the many publics. The public relations worker must know how to effectively address those concerns using the tools of the PR trade: publicity, advertising, marketing, media relations, community relations, branding, social media and more.
Brief history of Public Relations
Public relations arrived with the development of mass media. At the turn of the 20th century, “muckraking” journalists were stirring up public dissent against the powerful monopolies and wealthy industrialists who ruled the day. Early public relations firms combated the bad press by placing positive stories about their clients in newspapers.
Former journalists, such as Ivy Lee, used the first press releases to feed newspapers “the facts” about his misunderstood clients, namely the railroad and tobacco industries, and J.D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil. Lee and company became so good at whitewashing even the darkest corporate sins that PR professionals earned a reputation as “spin doctors.”
Much time has passed since the days of Ivy Lee, and to label today’s PR as dishonest would be to ignore how pervasive and important work has become to people and organizations of all shapes and sizes, from small businesses to non-profit organizations -- not just large corporations and the government.
4 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit The Value of News
News values, sometimes called news criteria, determine how much prominence a news story Characteristics used to analyze is given by a media outlet, and the attention it newsworthiness: is given by the audience. A variety of external and internal pressures influence the media’s 1) impact, consequence, or importance; decisions on which stories are covered, how 2) conflict; issues are interpreted and the emphasis 3) proximity to the readers; given to them. The news value of a story, if 4) prominence of the people involved; defined in terms of the interest it carries for 5) the unusual nature of the event; and an audience, is determined by the degree 6) currency -- the sudden interest people take of change it contains and the relevance that change has for the individual or group. in an ongoing situation.
How can my Grange be newsworthy?
The first step for getting noticed by the media is to be newsworthy. As the Grange is a community-based, service-oriented organization, you’ve got a head start. Your community service work, events, programs, and benefit to your community, are inherently newsworthy. You are already doing great work for the public good.
To be considered newsworthy, the work of your Grange must have a broad, general interest to the target audience. With that comes a strong news angle (i.e.: material information, new development, human interest, local angle, consequence, etc.). No matter how well a press release, news article, etc. is written, if the subject is uninteresting, stale or doesn’t matter, that news release or article will go into the garbage.
Don’t be shy and be creative. Your local newspaper may print every story submitted but a larger paper, radio, television, magazine or website may have plenty to choose from so you will need to stand out. How is my Grange newsworthy? Think of what catches your attention in the news and begin a list of possibilities, considering these ideas:
• How can you connect to something that is in the news now?
• Are you willing to do something a bit different or even outrageous - create your own news?
• Could you profile someone who is really interesting or has accomplished the extraordinary?
• Look at the needs of your community - how can your Grange be a facilitator or supporter?
Granges need to continually work to identify new and innovative opportunities to meet the needs of each of the communities and the people they serve.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 5 How to Capture the Media’s Attention
Understanding how the media works, what makes news and how to make the news is valuable knowledge for any Grange. Favorable media exposure means recognition in the community, acknowledgement of Grange activities, services and accomplishments and a higher profile of your Grange among potential members.
So, how does your Grange get into the news? The key to media coverage can be simply explained as a two-step process: developing the right story and delivering it to the right media.
Although all media outlets search out and welcome all types of news stories, television, radio and print each have their own unique qualities that will affect their interest in your story.
What makes the print media unique is its ability to provide in- depth commentary by publishing Radio longer news articles. Basically, print publications provide the most Radio may not be a first choice important details of a story, where when it comes to news coverage Television as radio and television only pro- but when speed counts, radio, just like television, has the advantage vide the snapshots or the fast facts Television’s strength is its ability of being able to produce and air of a story. to blend pictures with storytelling a broadcast report minutes after to create a compelling and visual news breaks. When radio is not broadcast. It also can produce and covering breaking news, it gets air breaking news stories moments most of its news stories from local, after it occurs, as well as extend regional and national print publica- across boundaries by covering tions. Another advantage of radio news in other states and countries is that morning-drive and rush hour while bringing live broadcasts from shows often have large followings those areas to its local viewers. and loyal listeners.
With the ever-expanding 24/7 online and traditional media world, reporters and journalists are hungry for authentic origi- nal sources and stories. Pitch yours professionally, and you have a chance at media coverage and reaching many more people than you ever thought possible.
6 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Developing the Story
What is considered newsworthy for your Grange?
• What is the message your Grange needs to get out to further its goals?
• What is your Grange doing that no other Grange or organization is doing?
• What are your members doing? Consider their skills and backgrounds, as well as their recent accomplishments?
• What is considered a “hot” issue in the news that you or a member of your Grange can address? For example, how is your community affected by not having broad band Internet access or how is it affected by health care reform or a recent presidential election? If you can address local and state issues — and have someone with credibility, as well as the Grange President — comment on the issue, it will improve your chances for media coverage.
Also determine whether your story is timely enough for the media to take an interest in it. Nothing beats breaking news. Such news stories often command front-page attention at newspapers and lead airtime at radio and television stations. Breaking news is immediate news about something that just happened and that matters to a defined audience. Ask yourself, will this story create a buzz in the community and will people in my community be interested in this story?
The news media is interested in human interest, proximity, eminence and prominence, and cause and effect stories:
Human Interest –
People are interested in people. Those who read, listen and watch the news like to learn about others. Play up the personal elements of the story. By adding a personal element, you will make your story more interesting to viewers, readers and listeners.
Proximity –
Most media are first and foremost interested in stories with a local angle. Continuously read and watch your local media outlets to understand the types of stories that they are covering and get to know your local reporters and anchors. Pinpoint the geographic reach of your message. Is the story of state interest or local interest? A good local story would be a feature on the accomplishments of one of your members or on the community involvements of your Grange. A good state story would be how your Grange lobbied state government to improve roads and highways in your community.
Eminence and Prominence –
Some people are newsworthy simply because of their position of power in the community. Your Grange President, or local Representative, are examples of this type of person. Also, what members in your Grange are doing extraordinary things? Tell their stories. You never know who will be interested.
Cause and Effect –
How has the actions and activities of your Grange affected the community? For example, has your Grange lobbied local government to build a community playground or solicited funds from local businesses to create college scholarships for high school students in your Grange area? If so, look for creative ways to tell the story.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 7 The Benefits of Positive Spin
Whether it’s via traditional media such as newspapers and magazines, social networking such as Facebook and Twitter, or online media sources, such as Topix or NewsWire, - good public relations practices are a terrific way to bring a flood of interest, inquiries and potentially new members to your Grange. But if you want truly legendary results in your quest to grow your Grange, you need to keep a positive attitude and show enthusiasm about your Grange, and convey those feelings to others.
The wrong approach is to send a negative news release (especially one lacking real news) far and wide, to publications ranging from “The Wall Street Journal” to your local shopping weekly. First, this is unlikely to get reporters calling and broadcast vans rolling, because there are millions of businesses and people competing for scarce ink and air time.
Second, negative publicity may get your Grange noticed by the media, but not in the way you had in mind. If your target media write you off as a dying group, you probably will not get a second chance to generate good press.
Attracting the right attention and inspiring the media to write about and/or publish pictures of your Grange activities is one of your goals - and creating a positive spin is a key in achieving success.
Take a look at the following two examples. If you were a prospective member and saw the two articles, which one would encourage you to join the Grange?
The Bad: Example of a negative headline and lead paragraph:
Prospects for struggling Grange are grim without support
Unless community members step up and help, the doors of XOXOX Grange No. 000 will close on a historic connection started in 1890. Membership in the Grange has declined, but it is the lack of participation that could mark the end of the group, according to officers Joe Smith and John Doe.
The Good: Example of a good headline and lead paragraph:
XOXOX Grange celebrates 120th Anniversary with new Community Service Project
Established in 1890, XOXOX Grange No. 000 will be celebrating its 120th Anniversary by undertaking a new project - donating 120 lap robes to the Veterans Home. Community service projects have been the backbone of XOXOX Grange, with projects such as donating to the food pantry, presenting scholarships, and more. But despite all of the Grange’s work, members were growing older and tiring. According to officers Joe Smith and John Doe, they hope this new project will be the infusion of interest needed to bring XOXOX Grange back on track with its membership goals.
8 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit The Art of Proofreading
No one is born with proofreading skills, but grooming these skills will certainly pay off in the long run no matter what you do. Whether you produce press releases, articles, or even write simple e-mails, be aware that a typo can spell trouble on the other side of the communication. Sometimes mistakes are made simply because we are not machines, but mere mortals. Don’t let errors in any communication that leaves your desk say the wrong thing about your Grange’s professionalism or credibility.
Here are some proofreading tips: Check for missing content as well as person will be great for identifying typos, grammar, and punctuation. content that may be confusing or isn’t explained well. 1. Plan for proofreading. Double check numbers and percentages to see if they add up. It is not something you do only if This is particularly important on pie 5. Write for your audience. you have the time. Accuracy, your charts and financial summaries. reputation, and the credibility of your In addition to proofreading for Grange are at stake so make the accuracy, make sure your word time. 3. Be alert. choice, writing style and tone are appropriate for the recipient or On major pieces, like brochures or Plan to proofread at the time of day audience. posters, schedule two to three rounds that you are most alert. If you are of proofreading, so when you are a morning person, complete your You may have the same information ready to release the job to the printer writing the day before and proofread that you need to distribute to your it is clean. in the morning. Incorporate into your Grange members, your officers and schedule time to put the project aside your volunteers, but each piece AAs (author’s alterations) or and then proofread with fresh eyes. needs to be tweaked for each corrections on the blue line (final particular group. Give them all the printer’s proof) can be costly and will same thing and you risk alienating eat up your budget quickly. 4. Recruit colleagues. them and not reaching them with your message, making your For letters, press releases, short-run Proofreading your own work can communications piece a big waste of printing or other smaller pieces set be dangerous. Identify the detail- money and time. aside up to an hour for proofreading. oriented people in your Grange and recruit them as additional proofreaders on important projects. 6. Use your software. 2. Three times is a charm. I like using two additional You would be hard pressed to find Go over the document two to three proofreaders besides myself. Have software that doesn’t have spell times, proofreading for one thing at a the last person be someone who isn’t check and grammar check. Use it first time. familiar with the written piece. This and then proofread again.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 9 Press Release 101 What is a press release? A press release is a news story, written in third person, that seeks to demonstrate to an editor or reporter the newsworthiness of a particular person, event, service or product. How is a press release used? Press releases are often sent alone, by e-mail, fax or postal service. They can also be part of a full press kit. It all starts with the HEADLINE The headline should highlight the main point of the release. State your most exciting news, finding or announcement in as few words as possible. Also be sure to include the phrase “For Immediate Release” at the top. Introduction / Lead Start with a bang. Aim to answer as many of the “Five W’s” in the first sentence - Who, What, Where, When Why. Source If you have not already done so, answer the following question: “How Do I Know This?” The answer will help provide credibility to the release.
Essentials This includes why the story is significant and perspective. Use enough supporting material to make your case / point.
Quotes Quoting people who are “in the know” adds credibility and life to the release.
The Grange This paragraph is called “boilerplate” - spend a sentence or two describing your Grange and its place in your community. The End Sum up the release in a closing sentence. Then add the word “END” at the close.
Note to the Editor Contact Info
This is your chance to tell the media Always include complete contact where they can obtain accompanying information including Grange Name, photographs, reports, or other additional Contact Person, Address, Phone information pertinent to the release. Numbers, E-mail and Website Address.
™ Press Release Writing Tips
An engaging press release with an interesting ‘hook’ or angle is an excellent way to gain exposure for your Grange and can lead to not only publication in newspapers, magazines and on the internet, but media interviews with appearances on television and radio stations as well.
The objective of a press release is to capture the attention of your audience, whether this is within your community or state-wide, and to educate the reader on not only on the activities of your Grange, but on the Grange itself.
We cannot stress enough the importance of a well written press release. We constantly come across inaccurate, poorly written or unedited press releases that simply will not be read by the media. They become a waste of time to journalists who are already bogged down with information overload. And some releases are just not publishable. A poorly written press release will be a very fast turn off for any journalist or editor and will reflect negatively on your Grange’s efforts. Although some of the best writers will occasionally miss grammatical errors or typos, by making sure you read, edit and re-edit your press release, you drastically reduce the chance for error.
So our advice? Write a strong, well written press release and be sure to proof-read and edit before submitting it. The following tips will help you with writing your press release:
• Make sure the information is newsworthy. • Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. • Start with a brief description of the news, then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around. • Ask yourself, “How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?” • Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important. • Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. • Deal with the facts. • Provide as much Contact information as possible: Individual to Contact, address, phone, fax, e-mail, Web site address. • Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release. • Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.
What NOT to submit in your press release:
Avoid overly flowery language, redundant expressions and unnecessary adjectives. These will detract from your story. And do not embellish or exaggerate your press release. If your release is written with embellishments, you will very quickly lose credibility. Keep in mind that this loss of credibility will carry over to future releases. Journalists will remember a source. They will remember a name. They will remember a web site. If you leave a bad taste in their mouth, they will remember the experience. This means the next time you submit a press release, which may be accurate the second time around, it will not be looked at because the journalist will remember you as someone who embellishes your press releases.
Do not include your entire Grange history, just a brief summary.
Do not continually submit the same press release or a slightly modified version of the original. If your press release was not picked up or you did not receive any enquiries the first time, find a fresh, new angle to write about.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 11 Sample Grange Press Release
Writing a press release requires you to write a persuasive story that will compel journalists, and ultimately readers, to take action. Our sample press release format is just a guide for the structure of a press release, but keep in mind that any story can be told from many angles.
Grange Name Here No. 000
Grange Address, Anytown, CT 06000 Telephone: 860-203-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.YourGrange.org
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: JANUARY 3, 1900 Contact: Your Name Here FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Telephone: 000-000-0000 E-mail: [email protected]
Grange Name Here to present third graders at Local Elementary School with new dictionaries
YOUR CITY, CT - JANUARY 3, 1900 – Members of Grange Name No. 000 will be putting smiles on childrens’ faces as they distribute over 200 new dictionaries to third graders at the local elementary school in Your City, CT, on Tuesday, January 2, as part of the National Grange Words for Thirds program.
Grange members Name 1, Name 2, and Name 3 will be on hand to make the presentations to four third grade classes at the Local Elementary School.
The Dictionary Project organization was created to provide a dictionary to students to help with their homework and their school work. A dictionary is an essential tool for a quality education. A student cannot do his or her best work without one. A child develops his understanding of the world and builds a frame of reference on what he or she knows, a dictionary provides the knowledge to better understand our world and the words to share information.
“Children have a sense of pride when they have a dictionary to look up words on their own. It promotes learning and helps mold their self-confidence and independence,” said Joe Smith, Grange Name Here President. “We are pleased that we can support the future of our community.”
Grange Name Here is proud to support The Dictionary Project through the National Grange’s Word for Thirds program. Through the tireless efforts of Granges across the country, the organization has presented third grade students with more than 100,000 dictionaries.
The goal of the program is to assist third grade students to complete the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing them with their own personal dictionaries. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. The Dictionary Project organization has presented more than 1.8 million children with dictionaries.
For more information on this special event, please contact Your Name Here at 000-000-0000. To learn more about the Grange’s Words for Thirds program, please visit www.nationalgrange.org. For more information on Grange Name Here, please visit www.YourGrange.org.
- END -
12 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Sample Press Release Cover Letter
The cover letter for a press release is a crucial tool when reaching out to the media. A press release cover letter allows you to tailor your pitch to a particular publication and helps your press release stand out from the huge number of press releases an editor may receive in a single day. Whether you are sending your press release through e-mail or postal mail, including an effective cover letter will go a long way in gaining effective placement for your press release.
Grange Name Here No. 000
Grange Address, Anytown, CT 06000 Telephone: 860-203-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.YourGrange.org
DATE: JANUARY 3, 1900
Gary Jones, Editor Media Name Here Media Address City, State, Zip
Hello!
My name is John Doe, and I am the Publicity Coordinator for Grange Name Here, located in Anytown, CT.
Please find the following press release regarding Grange Name Here’s recent community service project. Grange Name Here will distribute over 200 new dictionaries to third graders at the local elementary school in Your City, CT, on Tuesday, January 2, as part of the National Grange Words for Thirds program. We hope that you will consider using this press release.
For additional information not covered in the press release, please contact Grange Name Here’s President Joe Smith at (860) 000-0000 or you can drop me an e-mail at [email protected].
Thank you for your time and continued coverage of our community organization.
John Doe Signature Here
John Doe, Publicity Coordinator Grange Name Here
Telephone: 000-000-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.YourGrange.org
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 13 Media Alerts
A media alert is generally a tool used to get attention for an upcoming event. It is more brief, to-the-point and factual than a press release. It is usually used in tandem with a press release with the media alert being sent out the week of, or the day before the event. A newsroom person should be able to scan it quickly and understand the basic who, when, where and what of the event.
As with many public relations activities, timing will play a large part in distributing your media alert. Ideally you will have already sent out a press release to relevant media. The media alert will serve as a “last minute reminder” for media individuals. Generally you’ll want to send the media alert the week of the event ideally on Monday the week of the event. If your event takes place on Monday or Tuesday you may want to send it out a bit earlier. It’s always a good idea to make follow up calls.
Grange Name Here No. 000 Grange Address, Anytown, CT 06000 Telephone: 860-203-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.YourGrange.org
MEDIA ALERT
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 3, 1900 Contact: Your Name Here Telephone: 000-000-0000 E-mail: [email protected]
Grange Name Here to present third graders at Local Elementary School with new dictionaries
WHAT: Members of Grange Name Here No. 000 to distribute over 200 new dictionaries to third graders
WHO: Grange Name Here No. 000, of Anytown, CT
WHERE: At the local elementary school, Main Street, Anytown, CT
WHEN: Tuesday, January 2, 1900 at 2:00 PM
WHY: As part of the National Grange Words for Thirds program. The goal of the program is to assist third grade students to complete the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing them with their own personal dictionaries. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. The Dictionary Project organization has presented more than 1.8 million children with dictionaries.
For more information on this special event, please contact Your Name Here at 000-000-0000. To learn more about the Grange’s Words for Thirds program, please visit www.nationalgrange.org. For more information on Grange Name Here, please visit www.YourGrange.org.
14 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
“This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” “You could learn a lot from a dummy.”
How many of these phrases ring a bell? These widely recognized slogans from national public service announcement campaigns by the Ad Council have become a part of our culture.
While the above examples were all big-budget campaigns, your own Grange’s public service announcements (also known as PSAs) -- even if they’re a small, locally-produced campaign -- can be a great inexpensive way to get your message out to the public.
Television & Radio
Public Service Announcements, PSAs, are non-commercial advertisements typically on radio or television, ostensibly broadcast for the public good. The main concept is to modify public attitudes by raising awareness about specific issues. PSAs may be accepted for broadcast at no cost during time allotted for such messages or during unsold commercial time. Usually, a designated member of the station staff is responsible for PSA scheduling. Determine who this individual is and work with him or her to be considered for free airtime.
Print PSAs
While newspapers can easily fill any available space with more news, free public service ads are hard to come by. A paid advertisement every once in a while will build goodwill and say “thank you” in the best possible way. In fact, a large annual thank you ad to the community is a great way to tell your club’s story in your own words without the editorial middleman. Be sure to ask about reduced ad rates for non-profit and service organizations.
Some advantages of PSAs
PSAs are generally inexpensive. Since the airtime is donated, your only cost is production. If you keep to a tight budget, you can make PSAs very cheaply. Most stations will allow you to include a telephone number for more information in your PSA.
PSAs tend to be really effective at encouraging the audience to do something -- for example, call a phone number for more information, or have your pet spayed or neutered.
Some limitations of PSAs
Because PSAs are done on donated time, you’ll often find you’re not able to get them run on all the media outlets you’d like to, or you may find yourself at the mercy of station staff members who may be overworked, arbitrary, or personally op- posed to your group’s work. PSAs are often run as “filler” in the middle of the night or during other times when only a few people are listening or watching. The competition for free air time is very stiff -- depending on the market, there could be hundreds of other groups vying for time on any given station. You may not be able to count on getting a lot of air time for your PSAs.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 15 Strategic Usage: Press Release vs. Article
THE PRESS RELEASE THE ARTICLE
A public relations announcement issued to A document generally 500 - 1500 words in the media for the purpose of letting the public length that is often related to a particular topic know of new developments, events, community or theme, such as what your Grange has to functions, etc. Press Releases are usually less offer or historical relevance, or is a follow-up to than 400 words in length. an event, development, or community function.
• A one-time promotion • A long-time or not date-specific reach • Could be considered an advertisement vs. • Allows writer to use more creative language The Format: The Format:
Headline Title / Headline Dateline Summary / Description Introduction Body Body Close Boilerplate Author’s Paragraph (optional) Close
Formula for a Well-Written Article
First paragraph
In your first one or two sentences tell who, what, when, where, and why. Try to hook the reader by beginning with a funny, clever, or surprising statement. Go for variety: try beginning your article with a question or a pro- vocative statement.
Second/Third/Fourth paragraphs
Give the reader the details. Include one or two quotes from people you interviewed. Write in the third person (he, she, it, they). Be objective -- never state your opinion. Use quotes to express others’ opinions.
• Use active words (verbs that show what’s really happening). • Take notes when you interview. Write down quotes. • Tell the really interesting information first. Last paragraph
Wrap it up and don’t leave the reader hanging. Please don’t say... “In conclusion” or “To finish...” Try ending with a quote or a catchy phrase.
16 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Tips for Writing a Winning Article
Follow those simple steps to learn the basics of writing a winning article.
• Know your topic and your audience. Do research and find the facts on the topic you are writing about. Many writers make compelling points, but don’t bother to back them up with solid facts. Use words that are understandable and easy to read. Your articles must be reader friendly.
• Don’t use an exclamatory mark (!) in your articles. It seems as if you are yelling at the readers. Not a good idea if you want to captivate your audience.
• Start off with a good, interesting headline that will entice the reader to follow up and read the whole article.
• You need to follow a top-to-bottom hierarchy while writing articles. The first thing to include is what you want your article to tell others about. The rest of your article should “flow” from this. End with a summary that will reflect the key ingredients of your article.
• For the body of the article, you need to find some good quotes from interviews. Nothing brings people in like quotes. It will make your article more personable and give it a human quality, plus it allows you to break the flow of facts.
• There should be no more than three sentences per paragraph. If you have more to add about a particular topic, you should revisit it after a relevant quote or at the end of the article.
• Conduct a check for grammatical errors. Read your article aloud. Forward your article to someone who’s proficient in the English language. He can conduct proofreading that would ensure your article is mistake-free.
• Consider choosing a particular topic where you have strong interest, passion and knowledge to write.
• Know the approximate length of article before writing. This allows you to gather facts, quotes and information, and decide which pieces are the most important.
• Give yourself enough time to think and write. Choosing rush hour will lead to poor quality work. Set a realistic deadline and work towards completion on or before time.
• Write one article at a time. Know your limitations and time management.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 17 Sample Grange Article
Grange Name Here No. 000
Grange Address, Anytown, CT 06000 Telephone: 860-203-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.YourGrange.org
DATE: JANUARY 3, 1900 Contact: Your Name Here BYLINE: Your Name Telephone: 000-000-0000 Page 1 of 2 E-mail: [email protected]
At 125 Years, Grange Name Here Surging Forward into a New Life
It didn’t matter much when the ivy began to swallow up the sign outside the Grange Name Here Grange Hall. With its blues faded to gray and its gold bleached to beige, the old wooden sign had long since aged beyond recognition to all but the most sharp-eyed passers-by.
“That sign definitely represented the spirit of this building and its membership,” said Joe Smith, one of many residents of Anytown who were puzzled about the purpose and history of the Main Street building.
If the sign represented the old Grange, which had dwindled down to just six active members, the new brightly-colored signs draped across the building and along the road represent a revival that’s pumping new life into the Grange.
In the last three months, membership has doubled to almost 50 dues-paying members. Money through grants and donations are flowing in to pay for improvements on the 100-year-old building, and local groups — including dog, yoga and gardening enthusiasts — are making use of the hall.
“We want to bring this organization into the 21st century without losing sight of the history here,” said Smith, who was named the Grange’s treasurer shortly after becoming a member.
Officially known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the National Grange was founded shortly after the Civil War. Its halls hosted dances, potlucks and other events that formed the social fabric of farming communities. Granges were also lighting rods for political action, advocating for farmers’ rights, mail delivery, women’s suffrage and tougher regulations for railroad companies.
But membership began to slip as the number of small farms dwindled after World War II. The last 20 years have been especially hard for many Granges. Membership has declined by 30 percent and Grange halls have been boarded up or sold off at an increasing rate.
Grange Name Here, which was founded in 1885, almost closed last year. Former president John Doe had held the Grange together almost single-handedly for several years. There were 19 people on the membership roster, but few showed up for meetings. Besides the Boy Scouts meetings held once or twice a month in the Grange’s basement, there wasn’t much reason to keep the building open, Doe said.
“It looked like it was going downhill,” he said. “We were just tired.”
Jacob Taylor, a local resident and hobby gardener, caught wind of the impending closure and began gathering a few of his friends. They attended a meeting in December, and in short order found themselves newly ordained officers of one of Anytown’s oldest organizations.
“At first, we just wanted to make sure the doors stayed open and that the building wasn’t sold,”Taylor said. “But then we started thinking about fixing the property up, and expanding what it does, and really developed the Grange’s role in community service.”
In looking at other Granges across the state and their activities, members of Grange Name Here felt inspired.
- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 -
18 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Sample Grange Article (page 2)
Grange Name Here No. 000
Grange Address, Anytown, CT 06000 Telephone: 860-203-0000 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.YourGrange.org
DATE: JANUARY 3, 1900 Contact: Your Name Here Page 2 of 2 Telephone: 000-000-0000 E-mail: [email protected]
At 125 Years, Grange Name Here Surging Forward into a New Life (continued from page 1)
“They’re really doing cool programs at other Granges,” Taylor said. “One started a farmers market while others do presentations on topics that are interesting like bee keeping, preserving food, and box gardens.”
The new members are still learning about what it means to be a “Granger.”
“They had some interesting traditions,” Taylor said of the rituals of the early Grange that resembled that of the Freemasons. The new members have taken a more stripped-down approach to running the Grange.
“While embracing the history and the rituals, we’re focusing on going out into the community and really making this available as a community space,” Taylor said.
Recent efforts to promote the Grange have paid off. The number of events held at the hall has increased and the weekends are nearly booked solid. Members plan to install raised beds for a community-use vegetable garden in the coming months.
The members have begun making long overdue repairs around the hall, including a new outdoor railing and stairwell improvements. “We’ve got to paint, redo the floors, refinish the basement, clean up the ceiling,” he said. “We’ll take it a little at a time as we build up our savings.”
What the members of Your Grange Name Here now want most are more new members who will help expand the hall’s use and the organization’s scope.
“We’re spreading the word, starting by just telling people what this building is,” Taylor said. “When I mention the Grange Hall, they say ‘oh yeah... what is it?’”
Taylor’s answer: “What do you want it to be?”
AT THE GRANGE
Grange Name Here is hosting a gardening fair on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Local gardening expert Bob Jones is headlining the event. He’ll discuss vegetable-growing strategies. The Grange and other local organizations will have information tables. The Grange hall is at 1111 Main Street. Call 000-000-0000 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
- END -
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 19 Digital Photography Tips
If you’re like most people, you already have a digital camera. Now it’s time for some tips to get the most from your camera. Although these tips are geared primarily for beginners (especially those who have just purchased a new digital camera), some of the advice will also be useful to those who have been taking pictures for years and want to improve their photography skills.
• Know your camera. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking time to learn about the features of your camera. Read your instruction manual.
• When shooting sunny outdoor shots, try adjusting your white balance setting from auto to cloudy. The auto setting will make your shots appear too cold. When you change it to cloudy, it will increase the warmth of your pictures.
• If you are looking for superior image quality, the ability to use a variety of lenses and print large high quality photos, then considering a Digital SLR Camera.
• Use your flash outdoors. Sometimes, even on a sunny day outdoors, there is still a need for a flash. If the sun is directly over head or behind your subject, this can cause dark shadows to appear on the face. The flash will help lighten the subjects face.
• Sometimes simply turning your camera and taking vertical shots can make a world of difference. Experiment more with vertical picture taking.
• Do not put your subjects directly in the center of your shot. Move your subject off center to inject more life into your photos.
• Learn how to hold your digital camera. One of the most common problems beginners face is the shaking of the camera because they are not holding it properly. Of course, the best way to avoid shaking the camera is to use a tripod. If you don’t have a tripod, then you should be holding your camera with two hands. Put one hand on the right hand side of your camera where you actually snap the photo and the other hand will support the weight of your camera. Depending on the camera, your left hand will either be positioned on the bottom or around your lens.
• Invest in a tripod or a unipod. Some of us have very shaky hands. If you can’t stop the shakes, then get a tripod or a unipod. It will make a world of difference.
• Look at other photographers work. Just spending time studying the work of other photographers can provide loads of inspiration.
• Do not leave your batteries in your camera if you don’t plan on using your camera for long periods of time. Some batteries run the risk of leaking and this can damage your camera.
• Make sure you have a note pad handy. This way when you find a nice shot, you can write down any important information, like names, place, date, etc.
20 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Digital Photography - The Good, Bad and Ugly
Here is a list of the most common photo mistakes people make.
• Blurry photos - Blurry Photos are generally caused by three main problems: movement, fooling the auto- focus, dirt/condensation/smudges on the lens.
• Bad composition - Remember to use vertical and horizontal composition, look for natural lines to follow or natural frames, create depth, and fill the frame with your subject. Bad composition is often caused by lack of perspective and off-balance subjects.
• Choosing a bad photo background - Learn how to look through your camera’s view finder and observe the background in addition to just framing in your subject properly. Then, it’s simply making an adjustment of your subject or your camera.
• Red eye reflections - Red eye is caused by the reflection of light off the back surface of the eyeball. When it’s dark, our pupils are dilated. This allows more light to enter the eye and reflect back out of the eye. This is a problem when the light is provided by the camera’s flash. It reflects directly back to the camera at the same angle and appears red.
• Using the wrong camera setting - This mistake is made when you don’t understand what each camera setting does. Many people take the easiest route and choose Auto or Program. If you want to take better digital photos, then learn what the camera settings do.
• Pixelation - Pixelation occurs when you try to print a big picture from a small file. In my opinion, you should never, ever use anything but the highest quality setting on your camera. You can always reduce the size of a photo when you are doing your editing. If you use a reduced quality setting on your camera, you are ruining what may be a great photo for enlarging later.
• Bad photo exposure - Exposure is the total amount of light allowed to hit you digital camera’s sensor. The most common photo mistake involving exposure is usually underexposed photographs.
Example: Good Clear Photo Example: Blurry Photo Example: Underexposed Photo
Example: Good Composition Example: Pixelated Photo Example: Overexposed Photo
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 21 Branding and Identity
When you see the distinctive golden arches on television, in the newspaper, on a billboard, on a sign, or on the building itself, you immediately know the arches are a symbol for McDonald’s. McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. One marketing firm found that, in a survey of people in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, India, and Japan, more people could identify the golden arches of the McDonald’s logo than could identify the Christian cross [source: Schlosser].
Branding is the creation of a unique identity. Brand components include: a name; a graphic element or logo; positioning or mission statement; collateral marketing materials (can be printed or electronic) and, in many cases, a tagline. The purpose of a brand is to create a unique personality or identity for the audience so that an organization can more easily communicate its message and be heard. “Branding” is not simply the development of a graphic element or logo although a logo is part of the process. Branding is the comprehensive development of the personality or identity of an entity.
The Grange is a Brand
Branding for the Grange is the process of creating a clear, consistent and unique message about the organization, so that when people see the Grange logo or hear the word “Grange,” they’ll think of the organization’s mission and programs in terms defined by the organization itself.
Who uses branding?
Although many people associate branding with corporations and businesses, branding is most commonly used throughout the non-profit, philanthropic and organizational sector. In these times of shrinking revenue streams, declining membership, increased competition for grant money and increased marketing clutter, strong branding is more important now than ever before.
Organizations are competing for members, volunteers, donors and grants. Without a strong brand the Grange’s message will not be heard. That is to say effective branding is crucial to the Grange’s ability to raise funds, build support, build membership and gain visibility.
Benefits of Branding
Here are some generally recognized benefits to branding:
• Branding helps audiences cut through the clutter by providing a clear, concise identity for each Grange. • Audiences like brands since they create easy identification, which lends itself to the development of loyalty. • Marketing and communications are easier and more effective because messaging is consistent and supported by the implicit message of the brand.
22 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Using the Grange Logo
Since 1867, the Grange has stood for the rights of rural communities throughout America. It has provided farmers and non-farmers alike with the services and support they have needed to build strong businesses and feed their families. Our organization has provided educational opportunities for senior citizens, youth and juniors, and small but growing families. Community service projects have been initiated and completed by every Grange for the benefit of all citizens. eW have advocated for legislation that provided mail service to small rural America and continue to fight for access to broadband for every American today. We are an organization built from the ground up, whose mission speaks volumes because they’re backed by strong actions rather than just strong rhetoric. And throughout it all, one thing that has remained the same is the name by which we stand: GRANGE.
The National Grange is actively protecting it’s brand. Since 2007, our name, GRANGE, has been under attack in the trademark arena. This attack on our name is not new to our organization. It is the scale of this challenge that is new. It is primarily the individual Granges that use the Grange trademarks in a commercial manner. And with this name and logo each Grange is able to raise money to support their halls, community service projects, educational efforts, and legislative programs. ™ The Connecticut State Grange and Granges held under it’s jurisdiction, as a subsidiary of the National Grange, has authorization and approval to use the GRANGE trademark.
This is the official trademark statement from National Grange:
National Grange is the owner of the U.S. Trademark Registrations for a variety of GRANGE Trademarks including GRANGE (U.S. Registration No. 1,872,429), NATIONAL GRANGE (U.S. Registration No. 1,817,984), NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY (U.S. Registration No. 1,816,827), and the Grange Logo (U.S. Registration No. 1,824,368), and has been using its GRANGE mark since 1876 in connection with a variety of goods and service. National Grange has local, county and state locations throughout the United States.
The Grange Seal is the official logo -- a cornerstone of the organization’s identity and the primary common element. The logo communicates Grange’s commitment to excellence, our sense of community, and, our passion to support future initiatives and opportunities. It should be used for all official Grange events, documentation, publications, etc. Since the logo is a valuable legal and intellectual asset, unauthorized usage is prohibited.
In order to protect the Grange name and logo, we must be diligent in its use. If a Grange is to use the seal, it must be an “official” seal, and possess the appropriate trademark indicia. A CD with official seals and logos (in black and white and color), ready for use by Connecticut Granges, accompanies this guide.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 23 Connecticut Media List
It doesn’t matter how great your press release or article is; if you don’t have anyone in the media to pitch it to, your news will be dead in the water. It’s all in the list, and with the right media list, you could land coverage in newspapers and maga- zines, on the internet, and much more. Of course, the first step is to build a strong media list. Following is a partial list of the media in Connecticut. A complete list can be found in an Excel spreadsheet on the CD that accompanies this booklet.
NEWSPAPERS / MAGAZINES:
Hartford Courant Connecticut Post 285 Broad St., Hartford CT 06115 410 State St., Bridgeport, CT 06604-4868 Phone: 860-241-6761 / Fax: 860-241-3865 / www.courant.com Phone: 203-330-6325 / Fax: 203-367-8158 / http://www.connpost.com Tom Baden, News Editor [email protected] Bonnie Phillips, News/Features [email protected] Sev Rinaldi, Features Editor [email protected] Jennifer Frank, News Features [email protected] Patrick Quinn, Arts/Entertainment Editor [email protected] Andrew Julien, Politics [email protected] Jim Shay, Weekend Editor [email protected] Mary Wilson, iTowns [email protected] Sandra James, iTowns [email protected] Danbury News-Times Amy Ellis, Thursday CAL [email protected] 333 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810 Eric Danton, Music [email protected] Phone: 203-744-5100 / Fax: 203-792-8730 / http://www.newstimes.com Lynne DeLucia, Coming Events [email protected] Art Cummings, Editor [email protected] Nancy Schoeffler, Food / Home Garden [email protected] Linda Tuccio-Koonz, Features Editor [email protected] Donna Larcen, Art & Entertainment [email protected] Press Release Submission [email protected] Photo Submission [email protected] Meeting Submission [email protected]
Avon Post Fairfield Citizen News 99 Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010 220 Carter Henry Dr., Fairfield, CT 06430-5701 Phone: 860-236-3571 / Fax: 860-233-2080 Phone: 203-255-0456 / http://www.fairfieldcitizen-news.com http://www.zwire.com/site/news.asp?brd=1666&nav_sec=73743 Gary Jeanfaivre, Managing Editor [email protected] 203-255-4561 [email protected] Belinda Stasiukiewicz, Calendar [email protected] Press Release Submissions [email protected] Berlin Citizen 979 Farmington Avenue, Kensington, CT 06037 Fairfield County Weekly Phone: 860-828-6942 / Fax: 860-829-5733 900 Chapel Street, Suite 100, New Haven, CT 06510 http://berlin.ctcitizens.com Phone: 203-789-0010 / Fax: 203-787-1418 / http://www.fairfieldweekly.com Olivia Lawrence, Associate Editor [email protected] Nick Keppler, Managing Editor [email protected]
Bristol Press Farmington Post 188 Main St., Bristol, CT 06010 99 Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010 Phone: 860-225-4601 / Fax: 860-584-2192 / http://www.bristolpress.com Phone: 860-236-3571 / Fax: 860-233-2080 Michael E. Schroeder, Editor [email protected] http://www.zwire.com/site/news.asp?brd=1666&nav_sec=73744 Bill Sarno, News Editor [email protected] [email protected]
Cheshire Herald Glastonbury Citizen 1079 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 PO Box 373, Glastonbury, CT 06033 Phone: 203-272-5316 / Fax: 203-250-7145 / http://www.cheshireherald.com Phone: 860-633-4691 / Fax: 860-657-3258 / http://www.glcitizen.com News Desk [email protected] Jim Hallas, Editor [email protected] John Rook, News Editor [email protected] Josh Morgan, General Assignment [email protected] Greenwich Time 1455 E. Putnam Ave - Suite 102, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Connecticut Life Phone: 203-625-4440 / Fax: 203-625-4413 / http://www.greenwichtime.com 106 South St, West Hartford, CT 06110 Jim Wolfe, Arts and Features [email protected] Phone: 860-953-0444 / Fax: 860-953-0455 / http://www.ctlife.net Patrick Quinn, Weekend/Go section [email protected] Chris White, Publisher [email protected] Albert Yuravich, Managing Editor [email protected]
Connecticut Magazine Housatonic Times 35 Nutmeg Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611 65 Bank Street, New Milford, CT 06776 Phone: 203-380-6600 / Fax: 203-380-6612 / http://www.connecticutmag.com Phone: 860-355-4121 / Fax: 860-210-2150 / http://www.housatonictimes.com Valerie Schroth, Senior Editor [email protected] Doug Clement, Editor [email protected] Cathy Ross, Calendar Editor [email protected]
24 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Connecticut Media List
Killingly Villager Norwalk Hour 283 Rte. 169, P.O. Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281 346 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 860-928-1818 / Fax: 860-928-5946 / http://www.villagernewspapers.com Phone: 203-846-3281 / Fax: 203-840-1802 / http://www.thehour.com Stephanie Jarvis [email protected] James S. Walker, City Editor [email protected] Nanette Morges, Features Editor [email protected] Litchfield County Times 65 Bank Street, New Milford, CT 06776 Norwich Bulletin Phone: 860-355-4121 / Fax: 860-210-2150 / http://www.countytimes.com 66 Franklin St., Norwich, CT 06360-5805 Lori Dolce, Press Releases [email protected] Phone: 860-887-9211 / Fax: 860-887-9666 / http://www.norwichbulletin.com Newsroom [email protected] Manchester Journal Inquirer Marc Cook, News Editor [email protected] 306 Progress Dr., P.O. Box 510, Manchester, CT 06045 Phone: 860-646-0500 / Fax: 860-646-9867 / http://www.journalinquirer.com Register Citizen Ralph Williams, Editor [email protected] 190 Water Street, P.O. Box 58, Torrington, CT 06790 Doreen Guarino (Town News) [email protected] Phone: 860-489-3121 / Fax: 860-489-6790 / http://www.registercitizen.com Julie Sprengelmeyer, State Editor [email protected] Jordan Fenster, Editor [email protected] News Submissions [email protected] Meriden Record Journal Michelle Namey, Calendar submissions [email protected] 11 Crown Street, Meriden, CT 06450 Phone: 203-235-1661 / Fax: 203-639-0210 / http://myrecordjournal.com Reminder Community News Ralph Tomaselli, Executive Editor [email protected] 130 Old Town Road, P.O. Box 27, Vernon, CT 06066 Debbie Leoni, Front Porch News Editor [email protected] Phone: 860-774-8877 / Fax: 860-779-2689 / http://www.remindernews.com General Submissions [email protected] Middlefield Town Times 488 Main Street, Middlefield, CT 06455 Shoreline Times Phone: 860-349-8000 / Fax: 860-349-8027 / http://www.ctcitizens.com 40 Sargent Dr., New Haven, CT 06511 Sue VanDerzee, Editor [email protected] Phone: 203-789-5200 / http://www.shorelinetimes.com Susan Braden, Editor [email protected] Middletown Press 386 Main St., 4th Fl., Middletown, CT 06457 Waterbury Republican-American Phone: 860-347-3331 / Fax: 860-347-4425 / http://www.middletownpress.com/ P.O. Box 2090, 389 Meadow St., Waterbury, CT 06722 Viktoria Sundqvist [email protected] Phone: 800-992-3232 & 203-574-3636 / Fax: 203-596-9277 / http://www.rep-am.com Sean Connor [email protected] General Submissions / Calendar Events [email protected] Community News [email protected] New Britain Herald Anne Karolyi, Litchfield County Editor [email protected] 1 Herald Square, New Britain, CT 06051 Lin Maxwell, News Editor [email protected] Phone: 860-225-4601 / Fax: 860-225-2611 / http://www.newbritainherald.com James Smith, Executive Editor [email protected] Weston Forum Mark Batterson, Managing Editor [email protected] 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-894-3332 / Fax: 203-438-3395 New Haven Register http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/thewestonforum/news.html 40 Sargent Dr., New Haven, CT 06511 Kimberly Donnelly [email protected] Phone: 203-789-5200 / Fax: 203-865-7894 / http://www.nhregister.com News Desk [email protected] Willimantic Chronicle Community Events [email protected] 1 Chronicle Rd, P.O. Box 148, Willimantic, CT 06226-1909 Rick Sandella, Features Editor [email protected] Phone: 860-423-8466 / Fax: 860-423-7641 / http://www.thechronicle.com Helen Bennett Harvey, State/City Editor [email protected] General Submissions [email protected] Jack Kramer, Editor [email protected] Calendar Event Submissions [email protected]
New London Day Wilton Villager PO Box 1231, 47 Eugene O’Neill Drive, New London, CT 06320-1231 346 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 860-442-2200 / Fax: 860-442-5599 / http://www.theday.com Phone: 203-846-3281 / Fax: 203-840-1802 / http://www.wiltonvillager.com Marisa Nadolny, Community Editor [email protected] Jeremy Soulliere, Editor [email protected] Tim Cotter, Managing Editor [email protected] Winsted Journal New York Times 452 Main Street, P.O. Box 835, Winsted, CT 06098 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018-1405 Phone: 860-738-4418 / Fax: 860-738-3709 / http://www.winstedjournal.com http://www.nytimes.com Michael Marciano [email protected] Connecticut Calendar [email protected] Woodstock Villager Newtown Bee 283 Rte. 169, P.O. Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281 PO Box 5503, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 Phone: 860-928-1818 / Fax: 860-928-5946 / http://www.villagernewspapers.com Phone: 203-426-3141 / Fax: 203-426-5169 / http://www.newtownbee.com Stephanie Jarvis [email protected] Curtiss Clark [email protected]
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 25 Connecticut Media List
TELEVISION / RADIO:
WTNH-TV (ABC 8) / WCTX (MyTV 9) WTIC-AM News/Talk 1080 8 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06510 10 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032 Phone: 203-784-8888 / Fax: 203-789-2010 / http://www.wtnh.com Phone: 860-677-6700 / http://www.wtic.com General Submissions [email protected] Dana Whalen, News Director [email protected] Kirk Varner, Vice President/News [email protected] News Releases [email protected]
WVIT-TV (NBC 4) WCBS NewsRadio 880 1422 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT 06110 524 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-2924 Phone: 860-313-6300 / http://www.nbcconnecticut.com Phone: 877-987-9227 or 212-975-2127 / http://www.wcbs880.com News Director: Mike St. Peter [email protected] Fran Schneidau, CT Bureau Chief Email via contact form only
WFSB-TV (CBS 3) WDRC FM 102.9 333 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 869 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Phone: 860-728-3333 / Fax: 860-247-8940 / http://www.wfsb.com Phone: 860-243-1115 / Fax: 860-286-8257 / http://www.wdrc.com News Desk [email protected] Grahame Winters, Program Director [email protected] Al Terzi [email protected] Better Connecticut (Scot Haney/Kara Sundlun) [email protected] WDRC AM 1360 / WSNG AM 610 / WMMW AM 1740 / WWCO AM 1240 869 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 WEDH-TV (CPTV) / WNPR Phone: 860-243-1115 / Fax: 860-286-8257 / http://www.talkofconnecticut.com 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Eric Fahnoe, VP / General Manager [email protected] Phone: 860-278-5310 / http://www.cpbn.org Submissions [email protected] NPR Submissions [email protected] WZBG FM 97.3 Radio WTIC-TV (Fox 61) 49 Commons Drive, Box 1497, Litchfield, CT 06057 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115 Phone: 860-567-3697 / Fax: 860-567-3292 / http://www.wzbg.com Phone: 860-727-0082 / Fax: 860-293-0178 Jeff Zeiner, News [email protected] http://www.fox61.com and http://www.ctnow.com Press Releases [email protected]
NEWS WEBSITES:
ConnecticutPlus.com Litchfield.bz 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905 BZ Media, LLC, Box 1720, Litchfield, CT 06759 Phone: 203-653-4661 / http://www.connecticutplus.com Phone: 860-459-8373 / http://www.litchfield.bz General Submissions [email protected] General Submissions [email protected]
StamfordPlus.com NewHartfordPlus.com 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905 PO Box 667, New Hartford, CT 06057 Phone: 203-653-4661 / http://www.stamfordplus.com Phone: 860-309-7526 / http://newhartfordplus.com General Submissions [email protected] General Submissions / Maria Moore [email protected]
NorwalkPlus.com LymeLine.com 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT, 06905 http://www.LymeLine.com Phone: 203-653-4661 / http://www.norwalkplus.com Olwen Logan, Editor [email protected] General Submissions [email protected] This Is Connecticut Zip06.com http://www.thisisct.net Phone: 203-245-1877 / http://www.zip06.com Linzi - [email protected] [email protected] P.O. Box 1010, Madison, CT 06443 Must have an account to submit online.
26 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit What is the Grange?
PURPOSE: To build a program of fellowship service and member activities within a framework of fraternalism embracing all members through: Business Meetings - Legislative Activities - Agricultural Initiatives - Charitable Services - Deaf Awareness - Youth Projects - Women’s Activities - Community Service and Junior Grange.
AMERICA’S FIRST: Conceived in 1867 as an organization of agricultural people, the Grange has evolved into an organization concerned with the needs of all people, rural, suburban and urban.
A FAMILY ORGANIZATION: Father, mother, young adults and children meet on a common level of understanding to participate in educational and recreational programs.
A LEGISLATIVE VOICE: Provides each member with a voice - an opportunity, starting in the local unit, to express his/her beliefs, knowing that his/her ideas may reach the highest levels of the Grange and the government. Although non-partisan, the Grange stresses participation in activities related to public issues.
A FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION: The local (Subordinate) Grange confers the first four degrees, symbolic of the seasons of the year, upon the new member when he or she joins the Grange. The county (Pomona) Grange confers the Fifth Degree, the State Grange the Sixth Degree and the National Grange the Seventh Degree.
A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION: The Subordinate Grange, built around the community, elects its own officers and runs its own program. Although Grange business is conducted in meetings open to members, educational and informational programs are open to the public. Each member has one vote. The Community Granges meet once or twice a month. Yearly dues, which vary with Granges, are used to support Subordinate, State and National Granges.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: Persons 14 years of age and older may join a Subordinate Grange. Children under the age of 14 are eligible to join one of Connecticut’s three Junior Granges. There are over 60 Community (local) Granges in the state which are organized into 10 regional Pomonas. i
Founded in 1867 to help both southern and northern farmers recover from the ravages of the Civil War, the Grange as a national organization has evolved to incorporate the interests of non-farm families and communities. Health care, education, communications access, agricultural interests, and community service are just a few of the Grange’s current areas of involvement.
The organization has approximately 240,000 members in nearly 3000 local and state chapters across forty states, with over 60 local Grange chapters in Connecticut. Local Granges are committed to bettering their communities through service projects and family-orientated activities. Grange membership is non-exclusive. Members are not limited by age, gender, culture, race or faith. In the ever changing community, the Granges across the State of Connecticut provide diverse services.
It is important to note that the Grange’s interest in legislative action is what sets it apart from other organizations. Since its inception, the Grange has been involved with the legislative aspects of our society -- from a strictly non- partisan position -- as one of its distinctive characteristics. All policies which the Grange advocates on the local, state and national levels are initially voted on by its membership.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 27 List of Connecticut Granges
The Subordinate Grange is the “Local” Grange. This unit of the organization is built around the community. Men, women and youth are admitted on equal terms. Those who are a minimum of 14 years of age are eligible for full membership. Each member has one vote. The local Grange elects its own officers and controls its own affairs in community matters.
Alphabetical Index of Subordinate Granges with their Numbers
90 Ashford 146 Norfield (Weston) 118 Beacon (Litchfield) 35 North Haven 103 Beacon Valley (Naugatuck) 138 North Stonington 121 Bethlehem 172 Norwich 153 Bridgewater 162 Old Lyme 43 Brooklyn 194 Oxford 152 Cannon (Wilton) 96 Pachaug (Griswold) 34 Cawasa (Canton) 110 Preston City 210 Cherry Brook 144 Prospect 23 Cheshire 97 Putnam 78 Colchester 15 Redding 75 Coventry 169 Riverton 180 Echo (Mansfield) 40 Senexet (Woodstock) 89 Ekonk (Sterling) 197 Simsbury 151 Enfield 25 Southington 62 Eureka (New Hartford) 1 Stafford 26 Glastonbury 168 Stonington 5 Granby 100 Taghhannuck (Sharon) 133 Greenfield Hill (Fairfield) 51 Tolland 92 Harmony (Monroe) 134 Trumbull 182 Hemlock (Portland) 13 Tunxis (Bloomfield) 124 Higganum 52 Vernon 87 Hillstown (E. Hartford) 33 Wallingford 112 Killingly 122 Watertown 21 Lebanon 50 Westfield 107 Litchfield 199 West Suffield 147 Lyme 48 Whigville 31 Manchester 74 Winchester 205 Marlborough 173 Wolcott 29 Meriden 61 Wolf Den (Pomfret)
28 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit The Grange in Connecticut: Origins
The story of the Connecticut State Grange is really the story of two State Granges.
The First Connecticut State Grange -
The first state Grange in Connecticut was organized at a meeting held at the OldTaylor Opera House in Danbury on April 15 and 16, 1875. Connecticut became the 33rd State Grange organized under the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry with twenty (20) Subordinate (local) Granges comprising the fabric of this fledgling organization.
The first 20 Granges included: Stafford No. 1, Windsor No. 2, Lanesville (New Milford) No. 3, Hawleyville (Newtown) No. 4, Granby No. 5, Danbury No. 6, Roxbury No. 7, Sherman (New Milford) No. 8, Hartland No. 9, West Suffield No. 10, Washington No. 11, E. Granby No. 12, Tunxis (Bloomfield) No. 13, Bloomfield No. 14, Redding No. 15, Colebrook No. 16, Kent No. 17, Simsbury No. 18, Housatonic No. 19 and Hope (Torrington) No. 20.
The Second Connecticut State Grange -
The second attempt at organizing a State Grange in Connecticut met with much more success when representatives from 16 Subordinate Granges met in convention at the Academy Building in South Glastonbury, CT on June 24, 1885. Several Granges organized during the first State Grange were still represented along with many new Granges.They included: Granby, Tunxis, and Hope of the first State Grange along with Lebanon, Advance, Cheshire, Berlin, Union, Glastonbury, Suffield, South Windsor, Meriden, Wapping, Manchester, North Cornwall and Wallingford.
New members joining the State Grange during 1885 and 1886 received what is known today as the Fifth Degree or Pomona (County) Grange degree. Then in 1887, the Connecticut State Grange conferred the first Degree of Flora (Sixth Degree) upon candidates in December of that year.
First Grange Hall Dedicated -
Lebanon Grange No. 21 holds the honor of having dedicated the first hall in Connecticut built specifically for the purpose of housing a Grange chapter. In August of 1884, Lebanon Grange authorized the construction of a hall and store for the cost of $1,725.00. The hall was finally ready for dedication on November 12, 1885.
National Grange Sessions in Connecticut -
The Connecticut State Grange has had the honor of hosting the National Grange Convention on four separate occasions.
The first session in Connecticut (all held in Hartford) was in November of 1907.A class of 2,490 candidates received the Seventh (National) Degree at that session.
Connecticut hosted the 68th Annual Session in November of 1934. Crowds at this session literally stopped traffic in downtown Hartford, especially on the day of the Seventh Degree at Bushnell Memorial Hall across from the State Capitol. Nearly 13,000 Patrons received the Degree of Ceres that day!
The third visit of the National Grange was in November of 1972 at the Hartford Hilton Hotel which overlooked scenic Bushnell Park and the State Capitol building.
Connecticut hosted the 2008 National Grange Session as part of the Northeast Region of States, with it’s home base the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell. The 7th Degree was again held at the historic Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 29 Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement of the Connecticut State Grange Public Relations Committee -
The Mission of the Connecticut State Grange Public Relations Committee is: to promote the Grange as an identifiable service-oriented organization, staying true to its agricultural and historical roots while increasing relevancy in today’s communities; to serve the Connecticut State Grange as its informational conduit to Subordinate (local) Granges and to the public on general or specific items which are of informational or promotional topics; to work in connection with the Membership Committee to promote and advertise the benefits of The Grange; to assist other Connecticut State Grange committees with their specific promotions; to promote contests and events which encourage participation of Grange members; and to create new and unique ways of promoting the Grange in the communities across Connecticut.
Mission Statement of the Connecticut State Grange -
The mission of the Connecticut State Grange, a fraternal organization with roots in rural and agricultural history and the Grange ritual, is to serve as the unifying and supportive organization of community and district Granges in programs of community service, family activities, legislation, and other activities relevant to local communities.
Mission Statement of the National Grange -
The Grange provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation. The Grange will accomplish this mission through:
FELLOWSHIP • We give our members the opportunity to meet with and get to know their neighbors in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere • We provide a place where children, youth, and adults can grow, develop their talents and social skills, and learn leadership techniques
SERVICE • We provide our members with the opportunity to discover and solve community needs • We give assistance to individuals in crisis • We provide a great place for community networking
LEGISLATION • We have a grassroots approach to local, state and federal legislative change • We give our members a voice in state and federal government forums
30 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Mission and Vision Statements
Vision Statement of the National State Grange -
The Grange in the 21st Century will be a preeminent organization. It will commit to the development of the potential in families, youth and adults of all ages through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage and enrich lives.
The Grange will be noted for its commitment to the membership through its enabled leadership, its financial and organizational strength, and its ability to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, families and individuals.
The Grange will be a relevant, caring and involved part of the community in which its members are located. It will be well known and understood and considered a viable, involved and distinctive organization.
A person who becomes a member can expect to find in the organization a clear and impressive pathway to membership, outstanding fellowship with leaders and respected citizens of the community, the encouragement to meet and make new friends and the opportunity to lead and be well led.
At the state and national level, the Grange will be flexible, well governed, proactive partner in support of issues that are relevant to members and the communities in which they live. It will be accountable to and supportive of the leadership and membership at the local Grange. The Grange will be responsive to the member’s time, committed to membership growth, and designed for relevance and national preeminence.
Strategic Goals as Defined by the National Grange Advisory Committee
• Creating a relevant organization • Developing effective leaders • Building a stronger local, state and national organizational and financial structure • Reducing the resistance to change • Stemming the loss of new and recent Grangers
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 31 Who’s Who
All levels of the Grange have an officer line-up consisting of the following: Master (President), Overseer (Vice President), Lecturer (Program Director), Steward, Assistant Steward, Lady Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Treasurer, Secretary, Gatekeeper, Ceres, Pomona, Flora, a three-member Executive Committee, and in some cases an appointed Pianist.
Jody Cameron, Master/President, Connecticut State Grange
Jody Cameron of Moosup, Connecticut can trace his Grange history back to his roots. His parents were active members who joined the Grange when he was a child, which sparked his interest growing up in the organization. Cameron has held most every major position through the years, including Northeast Region Convention Planner for the National Grange Convention when it was in Connecticut in 2008, and has worked his way up the ladder to become Connecticut State Grange President in October 2010. He has undeniable passion for the Grange, and stresses the strengthening of the future of the organization. “The key is service, the key is community.”
Cameron met his wife Jodi Ann through the Grange, and they are the proud parents of two children: J Allen and Jaimie.
Edward L. Luttrell, Master/President, National Grange
Edward L. Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected in November 2009 to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He is a past president of the Oregon State Grange and has served on the boards of the Oregon Lands Coalition, Grange Mutual Insurance Company, and Timberland States Insurance Company. His priorities as National Grange President have included support of the passage of progressive legislation that will benefit U.S. agriculture, rural America, and the nation in general.
Luttrell grew up on a small farm outside of Portland and has worked in agriculture, automotive services, and publishing. He and Celia, his wife of 27 years, have three grown children: Ben, Jacob, and Charlotte.
32 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit The Grange in the Community
The greatest misconception about today’s Grange is that it’s for farmers. While agriculture is still at the heart of the organization, it’s not a “bunch of farmers” anymore. Today’s Grange works to improve conditions for rural, suburban, and urban Americans. The centerpiece of Grange activity today is community service. In Connecticut, each Grange determines what is needed in their individual communities and works to fill the void.
The projects are many and varied. They include:
• the Candy Cane Express holiday train ride for children with cancer • purchasing dictionaries for school children across the state • preserving a Post Office and its zip code for a small community • collecting food for shelters, pantries and food banks • distributing bike helmets to children across the state • creating Memory Books and collecting needed items for the State Grange’s Foster Children Project • purchasing defibrillators for local police/fire departments • camperships for children to attend the Grange-sponsored summer camp, Camp Berger • working with the community historical association to preserve an 1800’s one-room schoolhouse • hand-made lap robes and baby hats which are donated to local hospitals and nursing homes (one Grange member made and donated over 5000 hats and lap robes all by herself!) • sponsoring American Red Cross blood drives • working with Habitat for Humanity • hand-crafting quilts for babies affected by AIDS • pet initiatives - such as supplying pet food and towels for veterinarians and shelters • collecting school supplies for donation to area schools • providing a home for the community volunteer fire department • providing educational programs for communities - such as AARP 55 Alive, Stay Alive, Drive 25, Identity Theft, MADD, etc. • distributing holiday gift baskets for needy families and the elderly • providing thousands of dollars of college scholarships to students across the state • supporting the work of Heifer International • organize, volunteer and participate in numerous agricultural fairs and festivals • presenting lectures, programs, concerts, tag sales, dinners and other special events • many Granges honor members of their communities for their efforts with Public Service and Community Citizen Awards • and so much more!
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 33 Notable Connecticut Grange Accomplishments
The Grange is constantly evolving and making new contributions to the State of Connecticut through the efforts of its members. This brief list of highlights of the Grange in Connecticut only touches upon a few of the many great accomplishments of the organization over the years.
Storrs Agricultural School / University of Connecticut (UConn)
Long before the University of Connecticut became a national powerhouse in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, its predecessor, the Storrs Agricultural School struggled to establish itself as an institution of higher learning in Connecticut. The Connecticut State Grange recognized the need for a quality educational system in the state, and was an important facilitator in developing the University of Connecticut. As a testament to the Connecticut State Grange’s contributions to the school, a hall was dedicated on the campus. It is appropriately named “Grange Hall.”
“Get Connecticut Out of the Mud”
In 1930, many of Connecticut’s rural roads were impossible to negotiate either by motor or horse drawn vehicle due to ruts, holes, and turn outs which were troublesome and costly to repair. Then State Grange President Louis G. Tolles, with the support of Granges across the state, lobbied the State Capitol to find a solution. The Connecticut Rural Roads Improvement Association Incorporated was formed with Tolles as its president. As a result, the State Legislature passed the “Town Aid Bill” allocating $3,000,000 to be allotted from the Highway Fund for division equally among the 169 Connecticut towns for improvement of roads.
People’s State Forest
In 1930, the State Grange became aware of the Connecticut Forestry Department’s efforts to develop “The People’s Forest” in Barkhamsted. The park was being developed through the funding of individuals and associations, with more land available. The delegates to the 45th annual session of that year authorized the purchased of a plot of land in the park to be known as “The Grange Plot.” The donation was made and the “The Grange Plot” at People’s State Forest came into being. People’s State Forest was the site of the State Grange’s observance of the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, which was attended by then National Grange President John Scott.
State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture
State budget cuts have been an annual tradition in Connecticut. Among the many targets has been the state Department of Agriculture. Two attempts, one in the 1990’s, and one in 2003, were thwarted by the State Grange and other organizations by an aggressive letter writing campaign and lobbying program by the State Grange Legislative Committee. Currently, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Agriculture is F. Philip Prelli. Prelli is a Past State President of the Connecticut State Grange, as well as Secretary of the Executive Committee of the National Grange.
Summer Camp - Camp Maud Isbell Berger
One of the first of its kind in the nation, Camp Maud Isbell Berger was established by the Connecticut State Grange in 1956 as a summer camp for Connecticut’s large Junior Grange membership. Today, the Camp is open to all children ages 7-14 - Grange membership is not required. Located on scenic Park Pond in Winchester Center, Connecticut, Camp Berger offers an exceptional camping experience at prices that make it one of the best summer camping values in the state.
34 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Grange Legislative Action
The legislative objective of the Connecticut State Grange is to support the interests of rural and suburban Connecticut at the local and state levels of government. The Grange’s legislative posture is based on 125 years of continuous concern for the problems of rural and suburban communities in a rapidly changing economic and social environment. This encompasses strong support of the agricultural community, maintaining of prime farmlands in Connecticut, supporting vehicle safety, the maintaining of a safe transportation network in the state, and recognizing citizen rights.
Grange legislative action is the result of resolutions from 60 Community Granges and 10 District Granges whose membership totals over 3,000. The Grange with its 300,000 members throughout the United States continues to be the voice of our rural and suburban citizens. Grange members take an active part in local, state and federal laws being enacted. The Grange is very protective of its non-partisanship in the public forum. This positive force is used by the Grange in its approach to legislative matters and in the discussions of Grange legislative positions.
The Connecticut State Grange supports the policies and programs that allow each individual the right to pursue their interests with a minimum of restrictions while at the same time protecting the interests of the general public as consumers to ensure they are offered quality products at fair prices in a truly competitive economy.
Areas of action include:
Agriculture: The Grange continues to support the need for strong agricultural community and related businesses. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has a vital role in maintaining our agricultural community and ensuring the quality of agricultural products to all residents of Connecticut. Feeding Connecticut families should be the number one priority of the General Assembly and the Department of Agriculture as its operating arm.
Farm Viability: The preservation of prime farmland is essential to Connecticut’s agriculture industry. The State of Connecticut has had a program for the purchase of development rights to prime agricultural land to keep it available for agricultural production for more than 25 years.
Safety: The Grange urges a greater effort be made for safety in the workplace, with an emphasis on farm safety, as farming is second only to mining as the most hazardous occupation in the United States.
Education: The Grange believes every child is entitled to a quality education at public expense which will prepare him or her to become a responsible, productive member of society. This education cannot be provided by the schools alone, and therefore must also include the active involvement of parents, religious instruction, life experiences and social interaction. We therefore support programs which will integrate all of these diverse components into a comprehensive educational program for each child.
Consumer Affairs and Rights: It is the inalienable right of every person to be secure in their homes. Many of our elderly citizens who reside in government subsidized housing complexes live in fear for their personal safety. We urge the General Assembly to enact legislation to provide improved supervision and security to our senior citizens.
Please see the Connecticut State Grange Legislative Policy Book for more information on the Legislative Actions of the Connecticut State Grange.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 35 Importance of Internet Presence
The Internet has become one of the most effective communications tools ever created. With the web so visible to us in our daily lives - from writing, advertisements, and casual conversation to news, research, gaming, shopping, and social media - having an internet presence is crucial to the future growth of the Grange.
How can Granges best utilize the internet?
The Internet has created a whole new world of opportunity for Granges, with far greater reach than ever imagined. Any Grange can be on the Internet - inexpensively. Having a Grange website sends a positive message - “Hey! We are an organization that is relevant and in tune with the 21st Century!” Not having a website sends an even stronger message to prospective members - “We are an out-of-date organization that does not value technology.”
Benefits of having a Grange website
The Internet allows Granges to interactively communicate with anyone on the Web: Anywhere - Any Day - Any Time.
For Granges that have a website, visitors can easily view or print the Grange’s website content, right from their homes / offices - whenever they want. It can provide visitors with a printed version of your upcoming programs and events, news and more, on-demand, so they won’t forget you.
The Internet allows people to view only the Grange information they want - at a time convenient to them - unlike scheduled-media (TV and Radio).
A Grange with an up-to-date website gives visitors what they need, when they need it - without feeling hurried or pressured by a face-to-face visit. This also allows visitors to pursue more in-depth information - whenever they want and as much as they want.
The Connecticut Grange Website Program
The Connecticut State Grange has created a new affordable website program for Connecticut Granges. Packages include the domain name (for example, www.yourgrange.org), your choice of a number of different website designs, website hosting and five e-mail addresses, such as [email protected] or [email protected].
Granges will have the ability to update their own content. The website will be connected to the State Grange website, so that each individual Grange website can receive articles, calendar events, photos, etc. from the State Grange website, and the State Grange can receive items from the Grange websites as well.
Websites will each house a number of pages that Granges can toggle on and off depending on their needs, such as a News, Calendar of Events, Scrapbook, Membership Information, Blog, Officer’s Listing and Past Masters/Lecturers Lists, Grange History, Grange Hall History, Agricultural Fair information, Social Media links, and more.
Granges will also have the ability to maintain member lists, track members’ addresses and e-mails, and send out mass mailings such as newsletters, event notices, and much more.
Having an Internet presence provides the most efficient, cost-effective way for Granges to showcase their activities and accomplishments to their local communities and beyond.
36 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit The Connecticut State Grange on the Internet
The Connecticut State Grange has created a rich and functional internet presence through our popular website (www.CTStateGrange.org) and through our social media interactions utilizing Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Launched at the Annual Session in October, 2009, the objectives for the updated CT State Grange website were simple: Create a world-class visitor experience that combined intuitive usability with outstanding creative design.
The goal was to capture some of the emotion and passion that historically has been present in the organization, while educating and informing the general public, members and friends of the Grange about the events and services offered. Then use well-written narrative to share this information and the vision of the organization.
The interactive functionality of the Connecticut State Grange website includes such features as the following:
• Contests & Recipes • Daily News Updates • View Photo Galleries • Rate and Share Articles • Search the Entire Website • Visit the New Virtual Scrapbook • Chock Full of Historical Information • Extensive Calendar of Events Listings • Sign up for a Personalized MyGrange Page • Individual Pages & Galleries For Each Grange • Download Forms, Brochures … and So Much More!
Visit us on the web at: www.CTStateGrange.org
www.Facebook.com/CTStateGrange www.Twitter.com/CTStateGrange
www.LinkedIn.com/company/1207861 www.YouTube.com/CTStateGrange www.MySpace.com/CTStateGrange
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 37 Effective Member Communications
Relationships are a cornerstone of the Grange - communication is the foundation on which they’re built. Nothing is more central to building a vibrant community of engaged and active members than strong internal communications. It’s the utility knife in your Grange toolbox. Solid communication builds relationships and enthusiasm, empowers members, drives hall rentals, and improves program participation rates.
Understanding and meeting member expectations should be a high priority, that’s why improving the effectiveness of your Grange’s communication should be at the top of your list.
Phone & Written Communication Face-to-Face Communication
Phone communication is a good way for members Technology has not changed the fact that the to keep in touch when they cannot attend a meeting most effective and useful communication takes or event. Traditional written communication, place face to face. The ability to interact with such as letters and postcards via postal mail is Grange members in person makes dynamic still a frequently used method of communicating with members. This is especially conversion more functional. Members important for members who do not can share ideas, gauge non-verbal have computers or who may not be body language, take notes and engage technically savvy. each other closely.
Web-Based Communication E-mail Communication ™ Web conferencing technology leverages E-mail communication allows members the growth of the Internet to provide to follow-up with details or confer with a close substitute for face-to-face meetings for one or more members easily. E-mail allows for Granges. Software such as Team Speak, Yahoo confirmation of verbal conversations, follow-up and Messenger, Facebook Chat and other online expansion of ideas into more grounded detail. services enable members to communicate via the Web.
Communication is about expressing and conveying your thoughts, feelings, opinions and ideas to another person or persons. Focus on communicating in a clear, straight-forward manner. Avoid metaphors or cliched language. Encourage cooperative efforts and be honest with your members. If you lead by example, your members will begin to communicate among one other in a like fashion.
38 Grange Public Relations Tool Kit Ideas for improving Member Communications
Members are the life blood of the Grange. Those who feel pride toward their Grange tend to be more active due to their higher morale. Working on something positive can foster friendship and camaraderie between Grange members, as well as develop a rippling effect within the community. When the community sees that the local Grange has brought about a positive change, the Grange may gain additional members. It all starts with good internal communications.
Does your Grange communicate effectively with its members? Communication is more than your monthly newsletter. It is providing a fun Grange environment for your members, remaining open to their ideas and suggestions, and developing creative ideas to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Check out these ideas for improving communications with your Grange members.
• Use paper and/or electronic newsletters to share what’s going on and recognize members’ efforts.
• Use Internet tools like websites, Facebook, Twitter, or Google Calendar to let people know about meetings and upcoming events.
• Send birthday cards to members, to let them know you think of them as individuals, or get well soon cards and thinking of you cards to those unable to attend meetings and events.
• Let members know they were missed via a phone call or visit when they have been absent from meetings.
• Even if they aren’t looking for a reward or recognition, members like to feel appreciated. Honor and recognition are good ways to help keep your members returning year after year. Members should be recognized throughout the year with words of appreciation, or more, for the time and energy they are giving to the Grange.
• Write thank-you letters to speakers and all those who contribute time, effort, or money to Grange activities (both members and non-members). Present a token of appreciation if appropriate.
• Ask members about connections they may have within the community, such as editors, station managers, mayors, school superintendents, and other public officials or personalities, then extend invitations for them to visit meetings and get acquainted with your members.
• Develop (or purchase) Grange merchandise to show pride - such as clothing like T-shirts, jackets, polo shirts and sweatshirts, Grange jewelry, tote bags, and other items.
• Be sure to welcome new members and guests into your Grange home.
• Ask for member feedback - then listen. If members know they are contributing to the planning as well as the implementation, they will feel as if they are making a difference.
• Generate enthusiasm. Host meetings and events that are well-planned, organized and friendly, so that they appeal to the members in attendance and the general membership.
Grange Public Relations Tool Kit 39 ™
Connecticut State Grange Public Relations Committee October 2010 Tool Kit Version 1.0