[nabs-l] Getting The Message Out

[David Andrews]

From: Robert Leslie Newman, president
National Federation of the Blind Writers’ Division


Writers’ Division Announces New Resource
for Affiliates, Divisions, Groups & Chapters

As Federationists changing what it means to be 
blind, we all have important stories – stories 
that the sighted public and the not-yet-blind 
need to hear. We can share them simply by living 
our lives or by speaking to groups, but to get 
wider coverage, we need to engage the media. 
Getting press attention, however, is often 
considered a daunting prospect by those with no 
public relations experience. That is, until now.

The NFB Writers’ Division is pleased to announce 
its new “Guide to Writing Press Releases,” a 
free, step-by-step tutorial on getting press 
attention. Designed by volunteer NFB publicist 
Donna W. Hill in consultation with other Writers’ 
Division members, it is geared to 
nonprofessionals who want to make a difference. 
Learn how to recognize a news-worthy story, what 
the media is looking for and how to give it to 
them. Read examples of press releases that led to 
media coverage. Download a template for creating 
a standard document that you can store and re use.

Come experience this light-hearted, inspiring and educational resource at:
http://www.nfb-writers-division.net/education_station/press_release_guide.cfm

For further information about the creation of 
this resource, check out “Wing’s for Our Stories” 
by Donna W. Hill in the June, 2012 Braille Monitor:
http://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm12/bm1206/bm120611.html

Braille Monitor editor Gary Wonder, in the intro 
to Donna’s article, says, “Every affiliate should 
be lucky enough to have a member who makes sure 
that the media are well aware of the good work being done by Federationists.”

We at the Writers’ Division welcome your feedback 
and questions. And, don't forget to share your successes!