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Take Action!
2007 has begun with a series of alarming attacks against Guatemalan human rights organizations. Send an email to the Guatemalan government today. more >>> | |
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Did You Know?
> Guatemala has the most unequal land distribution in the Western Hemisphere, with large landholders who comprise only 2% of the population possessing 70% of the productive lands. > Attacks against human rights defenders in Guatemala increased between 2004 and 2005. In 2005, El Movimiento Nacional por los Derechos Humanos documented 224 attacks against human rights defenders, in comparison with 122 attacks in 2004. > On March 30, 2006, the 11th anniversary of the signing of the indigenous accord, tens of thousands of workers, farmers and indigenous people marched in Guatemala City to demand the strengthening of indigenous rights, restriction of open pit mining licenses, and funds for the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase land for redistribution. | |
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printer-friendlyReach the Media
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How to Write a Press Release
A concise news release is a good way to publicize an upcoming event or an organization's position on a particular issue or recent occurrence. It is a relatively easy way to communicate all the facts a reporter needs to write an article. However, the task of writing a good press release can sometimes be challenging.
Although some people find writing a press release a quick and easy task, others need more time. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time by starting early.
Parts
of a Press Release
Headline
The headline can make or
break a press release. Include the most important information in the headline
and make it punchy. The headline can be up to four lines if necessary, including
a subheading, but keep it short and remember to use a large font.
The
Lead Paragraph
This paragraph, which need not consist of more than one
or two sentences, should contain all of the basic information about the event
or organizational position. It should answer all the questions: who, what, when,
where, and why. And the first sentence should grab the reader, to make them continue
reading.
The "Mission" Paragraph
This paragraph states
the importance of the event or issue, describing how it impacts your community,
the nation, or Guatemala.
Background Paragraph
One paragraph
about the history of the event or the organization. This should always come last
and can include contact information for your organization, including a web address.
Tips for an Effective Press Release
Brevity
- A short press release is best; it should be no longer than two double-spaced
pages. Use short, concise, paragraphs of two to four sentences throughout.
- Important
information should stand out in some way - most reporters will only spend 30 seconds
looking at a release.
- Use the inverted pyramid style of news writing
- be sure to include your most important points early in the release and work
your way down.
- Include a striking quote or two from invited speakers or spokespeople for your organization in the second or third paragraph.
- The press release should
be typed on official letterhead.
- It should include the release date and
the name and telephone number of at least one contact person, at the top of the
release.
- A person's full name should be used just once; after the first introduction only a last name should be used.
- If the press release concerns an upcoming event, mail or fax it so it
will arrive a few days before the event.
- Within 24 hours of when
you think the press release has been received, always call every recipient to
be sure (s)he has received it.
- Be available to the press during the day of the event so that they may call you with questions.
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