Media and Elected Officials

Brandon Gryde and Mike Minks

U.S. Presenting Sponsor

why media / marketing?

“Grantee agrees to
advocacy make an effort to
publicize this service-
learning project in local
media and provide YSA
with copies and/or
shows the world that youth can make a difference notification of any media
impressions. When
submitting press
clippings, please make
can generate new partnerships / funding sure you identify the
name, date, city and
state of the publication.”
– STEMester of Service
connects your success with the community MOU
 part of your project

students gain the following skills:

experience navigating newspapers

professional / technical writing

creative writing

online experience
marketing adds more!

illustrations!

photography!

graphic design!

storytelling!

public speaking!

passive programs!
creating your story

the diamond effect

what issue are you focusing on?

what partners do you have?

how does it connect to national news?

 who should you reach out to?

Journalists, Not Newspapers, Write Stories

newspapers
penny savers
blogs
tv / radio
other organizations

and don’t forget your school outlets!

how can YSA help?

when we know your story, we can repeat it!

send your press release to Sarah

press release goes on GYSD.org
goes out to Facebook fan page and twitter
may get featured in National Service Briefing
submit a blog post
don’t be afraid of the 2.0

Lots of ways to join the fray

create a Facebook fan page

post your photos to Flickr
upload videos to You Tube
Get Ur Good On

Visit www.GYSD.org/share for instructions

Engaging Elected Officials

How many
elected officials
are there in
the United States?
Engaging Elected Officials

511,039
U.S. Government - 542 (<.2%)

State Government - 18,828 (3.6%)

Local Government - 491,669 (96.2%)

Make a Plan

WHO Mayor Smith State

Representative
Jackson
WHAT Speak at Participate in
project kick-off, project and
present awards follow-up policy
discussion
HOW Mike will e-mail Brandon will
scheduler by send letter by
4/1, follow-up 3/20, call LA by
call by 4/5 3/25
Who: City

• Mayor
• City Manager
• City Council
• Staff
• Police Chief
• Fire Chief
Who: County

• County Executive
• County Supervisors,
Commissioners, or
Board Members
• County Attorney
• Judges
• Sheriff
• Staff
Who: School District

• Superintendent
• School Board
Members
• Principals
• PTO/PTA Officers
 Who: State

• State Senators and

Representatives/Delegates
• Governor, Lt. Governor
• Other Constitutional Offices
• Commissioners or State
Agency Heads
• Judges, Supreme Court
Justices
Who: Federal

• U.S. Representative
• U.S. Senator
• Federal Offices
• Administration
 What: Participate in Projects & Events

• Speak

• Participate in project

• Policy
Dialogue/Discussion

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar speaks

at GYSD celebration in Minnesota.
What: Help Raise Awareness

• PSAs

• Media Releases, Op-Eds, Letters to the

Editor

• Speeches

• Websites

• Invite other officials

MP Paul Zed, 2008 Youth Ambassador Brad Snodgrass, and Saint

John, NB Deputy Mayor Michelle Hooton holding the GYSD flag. 
What: Recognize Youth Volunteers

• Awards

• Letters of Support

• Proclamations & Resolutions

• Public Meetings

Mayor Cook (El Paso, TX) recognizes GYSD 2009 GYSD Proclamation from Texas Gov. Rick Perry
participants at City Council meeting.
What: Support Projects

• In-kind government services

• Staff time

• Connections to other community

leaders

• Financial support

Youth meet with Artur Kurti, Mayor of Kucove (Albania)

How: GYSD.org

www.GYSD.org/share/media
How: Staff

Identify the best staff person.

Events
 Scheduler / Assistant / Secretary

Media / PR
 Communications / Press

Awards/Proclamations
 Ceremonial Services / Constituent Services

Specific Issues, In-Kind Services

 Aides, Department Staff
How: Be Specific

Make a specific ask.

• Call, e-mail, fax, in-person

• Provide specific request.

• Have a Plan B.

• What’s in it for them?

How: Make It Easy

Provide all helpful information.

• Logistics

• Talking Points/Background Information

• Templates
How: Putting Youth At The Center

• Relationship Mapping
– Who do you know?

• Brainstorming & Planning

• Connect to Learning
– Civics/Government
– Writing (persuasive, expository, letter)
– Professional communication (calls, speaking)
How: Follow Up

• Don’t let them leave empty-handed

• Thank Yous (both publicly and privately)

• Follow Up (sending information, pictures)

• Media

• Reports, Etc.

 Continue the relationship.

questions?

Contact Mike @
mminks@ysa.org
202.296.2992 x125

Brandon @
bgryde@ysa.org
202.296.2992 x128