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Reach the Media

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99% of the crimes committed during Guatemala's war have not been brought to justice. Of over 45,000 forced disappearances, only one case has gone to trial. Send an email to support war survivors' right to truth and justice today.  
 Did You Know? 

> Attacks against human rights defenders in Guatemala have doubled over the last five years. NISGUA's teams of on-the-ground international human rights monitors work to deter violence in communities, courtrooms and at public events.

 > Former dictator Efrain Rios Montt, who ruled during the bloodiest period of the war, currently holds a seat in the Guatemalan Congress. He is wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity.    

>
The Xalalá hydro-electric dam is rejected by 90% of the local population because it would displace thousands of indigenous people and damage farmlands and forests. 

Almost 400 mining concessions have been granted to transnational gold, silver, nickel, and zinc companies in Guatemala, posing severe threats to rural communities' social and environmental well-being. 



Reach the Media
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Why the Media?

The media has a tremendous influence on policy and politics in the United States. Therefore, in any campaign, it is vital to utilize the media to broadcast your message to the widest audience possible. Local events can rally impressive crowds, but without media attention, these events may take place virtually unnoticed and have little real impact. Media coverage of an event or topic, however, immediately magnifies an issue, making it more likely to become part of the local or national policy debate. Media work can be one of the most effective ways to influence public policy.

National media, however, is not the only media that counts. Congressional offices do follow articles in local papers, so getting your viewpoint across in these venues is equally important. So be sure always to send copies of whatever you publish to your members of Congress.

As you might imagine, however, communicating a position to reporters and editors is not always an easy task. You must be clear but succinct, thoughtful but critical, and above all, accurate and timely. Knowing certain tricks of the trade will help your issue stand out from the crowd. The tips provided in this section are intended to help strengthen your local, regional, and even national media work.


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