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PUBLICITY IN A COMMUNITY RECREATION PROGRAM

NEED FOR GOOD PUBLICITY:

Good publicity is essential for the successful operation of
a community recreation program in order that the public may be
informed of the activities and service available for their
consumption.

TYPZS OF PUBLICITY:

Local newspapers are interested in securing information about
the activities and will print the schedules of games, tournaments,
the calendar of activities, special events, and will make announce-
ments of interest to local readers. If radio stations are available
they are generally willing to give time to similar announcements as
well as discussions about the program. Bulletin boards must be
arranged for every center and should inform the public about the
daily and weekly programs as well as forecast special programs of
interest. Attractive posters can be used to advantage, are fine
means of informing the public of project activities. If a practical
demonstration is used with the exhibit, more interest can be created
for the activities. In many cases, local organizations have requested
the personal appearance of recreation supervisors before their clubs
to discuss the accomplishments of the recreation program. Special
events, such as playground days, carnivals, open house at the centers,
etc., are fine means of informing the public of the activities
included in the program. It is suggestod that these special ovents
be used as culminating events to regular activities.

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR PREPARING AND SUBMITTING PUBLICITY: (News relcases)

1. Place your name and release date in the upper left-hand
corner of sheet.

Write no headlines - that is the editor's privilege.

Be familiar with the style sheet of the paper.

Never submit the manuscript in longhand.

. Make no unqualified statements.

. Make sure that names, addresses and titles are correct.
Deliver the story personally.

Use short sentences and and short paragraphs.

Carry the story in the first line to make attractive
reading.

10. Get your copy to the newspaper on time.

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OON OUR GW

Newspaper releases which involve policies of procedure and
administration must be cleared in advance with the State Supervisor
of Recreation in order that he can get the proper approval for the
release. The best method of securing good newspaper publicity is
to make it possible for the reporter to visit the activities and
write his own story with your assistance in providing the correct
information. Many newspapers prefer this method and do not care
for releases.

FACILITI£S, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
SECURING FACILITIES:

There is a great need for more and better facilities for
recreational activities. The utmost care should be taken in