Transcript 2008 Retreat Communications Presentation

Effective Communications
July 2008
TDW SUMMER RETREAT
Waco, TX
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Goal of Effective Communication
Inform + Persuade
MOTIVATE!
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Goal of Effective CommunicationsInform
• Inform
It’s all about the WHAT, WHERE, WHEN……
 WHAT is the event?
 WHERE is the event?
 WHEN is the event?
Phone & Email Tree to notify of events.
Use www.tdw.org to publicize events
Create a Chapter Newsletter.
Advertise meetings and activities
Set up an agenda for each meeting. (include in event notification)
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Goal of Effective CommunicationsPersuade
Persuasion isn't all about selling or is it trying to convince someone to
agree with you. It's about getting to shared understanding and
agreement. From there you work together to reach a mutually
beneficial outcome. There are 4 things to think about when
developing the message. Does the message have…
 Credibility
 Common Ground with the audience
 Evidence to back the message
 Emotional Connection with the audience
Newspaper or OP Ed articles with views
Sponsor Candidate forums or debates
Blogs
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Goal of Effective CommunicationsMotivate
• Motivate
If “INFORM” is all about the WHAT, WHERE, WHEN,
and PERSUADE builds the case “MOTIVATE” is the
WHY……
 WHY should I attend this event?
 WHY should I participate?
Provide an agenda before chapter meetings.
Know your audience!
Provide snacks &/or entertainment.
Involve/Engage members & attendees
Query for suggestions to improve chapter organization..
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Who do we need to reach?
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Within the Chapter
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Between Democratic organizations
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Active Members
Members who pay dues but not not participate
Lapsed Members
County Democratic Party
Young Democrats
Texas Democratic Party
National Democratic organization
Outside the Democratic organization
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Independent voters
Potential voters
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Unregistered
Registered but not active voters
Organizations that represent Democratic principals
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What methods can we use to
communicate?
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How do we get our message
across?
Inform - Persuade - Motivate
Who is our audience?
What method of communication should we use?
What do we want to accomplish?
DEVELOP A
COMMUNICATION
STRATEGY!
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Develop a Communication Strategy
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Communication Plan (See Samples)
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Develop Template Library
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Define goals (For each group and activity what to you want to accomplish?
Establish a Budget
Communication Matrix (defines activities, audience, method )
List of Contacts
List of Resources
Sample Ads
Invitations
Editorials
Press Releases
Assign Responsibilities
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Committees
Media Coordinator
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This person makes sure press releases go out on time, keeps media lists updated, makes press calls, and works actively behind
the scenes during events.
– Spokesperson
– Writer
– Photographer
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Types of activities to Publicize
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The following suggestions are low-cost or no-cost activities. They don't require money
to undertake, as much as they require time and commitment.
In addition to announcing events, you can send press releases to:
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announce activities (meetings, fundraising, social, activism)
highlight particularly effective, unique, innovative or interesting activities
announce how a particular piece of pending or recently-passed legislation will affect your
organization and those it serves
announce partnerships you have formed with another organization/other organizations
announce awards your organization is giving or receiving
announce an impending visit to your organization by guest speakers
acknowledge a particular day of focus that relates to your organization and its work
Non-press organizations and other non-press representatives should also get your
organization press releases (as appropriate); this is how you can build a public
reputation and become associated with local causes.
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Media Resources
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Television
Cable Access
Radio
Newspaper
– City
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– Specialty
Magazines
– City
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Internet
– Websites
• WWW.TDW.ORG
• WWW.TXDEMOCRATS.ORG
• WWW.DNC.ORG
• TexasVAN.com
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Blogs
• WWW.BLOGNETNEWS.COM
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Building a foundation of Resources
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WWW.TDW.ORG
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WWW.TexasVan.com
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Membership lists
Chapter websites
Calendar
Mailing labels
Links to other resources
Artifacts/Templates (future)
Voter information
WWW.BLOGNETNEWS.COM
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Top state Blogs
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Helpful hints when working with
media outlets…...
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Make the reporter’s job as easy as possible. Provide a prepared press-release or text.
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If sending digital photos, use high resolution and .jpg format.
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If a reporter is attending an event, have your media coordinator meet the reporter when
they arrive brief them and ask if there is anything they need. (make them feel welcome)
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The internet is an excellent place to find information. Try a Google search of “media
relations”. The websites provide hints on a variety of subjects from how to write a
press release to techniques in helping get your articles published.
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www.managementhelp.org/pblc_rel/pblc_rel.htm
http://www.aboutpublicrelations.net/ucstoller6a.htm
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TDW Mission Statement
Texas Democratic Women was organized in 1987 as one response to the growing political interest expressed by
mainstream women from across the state. TDW promotes the increased political activity and influence of Democratic
women in Texas politics and government. TDW provides statewide training conferences and workshops. In addition,
the group serves as a communication network for existing Democratic women's organizations and promotes the
formation of new groups.
There are many organized groups which represent certain segments of women Democrats in Texas. Some are tied to a
particular city or county in the state; others reflect particular issue agendas or ethnic groups. Some groups attract
women in a specific age category or occupation. Of course, there are professional and career women in our party, but
there are also many women who work in the home or are retired. None of these organizations currently represent the
broad range of women in our Party. Texas Democratic Women works to unite this wonderful diversity of devoted
women behind one common goal - the support of our Party and the involvement of women in the political process.
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