Mobilizing
People
 How
to involve students in interviews
Step 1: Consider how you involve the student
Students can comment on the difference the literacy program has made in their
personal lives, how it has helped their careers, how it has had a positive
effect on their relationships and how it has helped their confidence.
They can also describe if it was difficult to make the decision
to enter the literacy program, and how they felt when they started
to make progress. Information about who supported them and why
may also be newsworthy.
It is important to decide how the student could be involved before
you approach any news media. We have suggested a few ways for
this campaign:
- Include a quote from a student in the media release
- Include a profile story of a student in the media kit. Click
here for sample learner profiles. (PDF 147k).
- Coach students to speak at events, including a launch or fundraiser.
The student can combine his or her own perspective with elements
of a standard presentation on the work of your organization,
or literacy issues in general. Click
here for speaking notes produced by the OLC as a PowerPoint
presentation.
Step 2: Select a student to be spokesperson
Consider the student’s personality when selecting a spokesperson. Think
of someone who can speak clearly and effectively about the difference literacy
has made in his or her life.
Step 3: Talk to the student
Before you make any promises to news outlets about having a student involved
in the interviews, make sure you can deliver. Confirm that the student is
comfortable about having his/her name and possibly a photo made public.
Step 4: Coach the student
- Explain clearly what you want the student to do.
- Work with the student to review the key messages of the campaign.
- Develop key messages with the student about his/her own experience,
for use in interviews or when the student is speaking publicly.
- Explain when and where s/he will be needed.
- Go over with him/her what to wear, how long the interview
might last, and where the interview will take place.
- In some cases, a staff member, tutor or other agency volunteer
may be a good partner for the student during the interview.
The OLC has developed a step-by-step guide to assist organizations
in recruiting and training learners who are willing to speak at
awareness events throughout the year. Click
here for the OLC manual, Let the Experts
do the Talking! |
