Instruction

Obtaining Project Recognition through Promotion

Print version of "Part 4: Project Recognition": PDF • Word

Making a promotion plan requires answers to three basic questions:

What do you want to say?
To whom do you want to say it?
What do you want your audience to do as a result?

There are many ways to promote a project. Having students brainstorm answers to the three questions above can help them decide which method to use in getting the word out about their watershed project. As a result of class discussion, students should pick one (or several) of the following methods to communicate the message to their target audience.

Tell people about the project. Also called word-of-mouth or one-on-one communication, this method is cost-free, but the message may not reach as many people as desired.
Put information in the local newspaper. This method reaches lots of people. Preparing a Press Release explains how to prepare a message for the newspaper. Newspapers publish press releases, articles, and letters to the editor at no charge. Advertisements generally require payment. If the newspaper wants to write about the students' project, a reporter may make an appointment and interview the teacher or the class. Students should prepare answers to the who, what, when, where, and why questions before the reporter comes. If a reporter will be visiting the school, tell the principal. The principal may wish to speak to the reporter and will probably also want to approve in advance any written information to be given to the reporter.
Remember the school newspaper and school newsletters. If the project will last several months, one of the workgroups could write a regular column to keep readers informed.
Use the school public announcement system. This method helps get the message to the entire school.
Put the message on videotape. This can be an exciting project, but if lots of people are to see your message, there must be a plan for showing it. Keep video messages short, and make sure they answer the who, what, when, where, and why questions. Think about what meetings the intended audience might attend. For example, if your message is mainly for parents, perhaps the class could show the video at a PTA meeting.
Go on television or radio. Local stations usually want local news. Use students' telephone skills to make arrangements. Be prepared with the answers to the who, what, when, where, and why questions before a television or radio interview. For television, take along a good picture or some interesting objects related to the project.
Publish information. See Writing Publications to Promote a Project for some tips on publishing articles, brochures, and other promotional items.
Post the message. Many schools, offices, businesses, and stores have bulletin boards. Make the message short, neat, and attractive. Post it on bulletin boards that the intended audience is likely to see. Use colors and artwork that will make the message stand out. Have students ask permission before posting anything and arrange to remove notices at an agreed upon time.
Use the Internet. Most schools have a website. Post a page there with the project information.
Inform people by direct mail. If there is a list of the names and addresses of the people who need to receive the message, send them a letter. See Writing Business Letters for directions.

Whatever communication methods the group decides to use, remember that most people need to hear something several times before they decide to act. Get the word out several ways and several times so people will be sure to hear the message.

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