While the media can't be forced to share the views of a particular organization, they do welcome input
on issues of concern. In fact, most regularly schedule time for "editorial board meetings" with local citizens
to gather accurate information about an issue for writing purposes. The editorial board most often includes
writers and editors of the paper's Opinion Section. If an organization is involved in a controversy, a visit to
the local newspaper's editorial board may "tilt the scales" in a positive direction. The following guidelines
outline the editorial board process:
Schedule a Meeting
- Don't wait! Sometimes it can take weeks to schedule a meeting. Refer to the list of statewide daily
newspapers for editorial contacts.
- No more than 3-5 people should attend the meeting.
- Participants may include teachers, board members, students or business leaders who are familiar
with the issues facing education in a particular community.
Prepare the Presentation Team
- Choose a spokesperson (someone who will speak first, and summarize the meeting's purpose and
request for support).
- Prepare information packets for each member of the editorial board.
- Consider taking visual aids that convey the message quickly and clearly.
Meeting Guidelines:
- Have the spokesperson give a five- to ten-minute overview of the issue before involving
the rest of the group.
- Cite examples, then open the meeting to questions. Meetings last anywhere from 20-45 minutes.
- When a question is asked, the person who can best answer the question should respond. If no one
immediately begins to answer, the spokesperson can answer, or prompt someone else who may
have the information.
- When the meeting is over, thank the board members and promptly leave.
- A follow-up letter should be sent, reiterating the key points.
- A thank you note should be sent if a favorable editorial is printed.
