http://spinproject.org/ The SPIN Project (Strategic Press Information Network) provides media technical assistance to nonprofit public-interest organizations across the nation who want to influence debate, shape public opinion and garner positive media attention. http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=248 http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=245 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=246 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=244 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/BroadcastSpokesperson.pdf Broadcast media (television and radio) is still the news source that most people turn to for more comprehensive coverage about what's happening in their local communities, the nation and the world at large. Pew's 2006 survey found that 34% of respondents got their news from the cable news networks, 36% said radio and a whopping 54% said they got their news from local television. For reaching the biggest number of people in the shortest amount of time, you can't beat broadcast media. And being effective on broadcast media means being an effective spokesperson. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/WritingForComms.pdf While some of us are great prose writers, essayists or poets, writing for communications requires a different set of skills to powerfully propel your issue into the media landscape. Our new tutorial outlines the cardinal characteristics of strong and effective writing for communications. Some of the tips you'll learn: the importance of writing that is goal oriented, values-driven, inspirational and newsworthy. We review the 5 Cs of good writing--compelling, concise, correct, clear and complete--and we outline the importance of writing to fit your strategy and reach your target audience. From media advisories to delivering your message uncut on the Op-Ed pages, our publication will help you learn how to successfully write for communications, strengthen your organizing strategy, and offer you the opportunity to reach the hearts and minds of constituencies beyond your base. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/WorkingWithPRConsultants.pdf Working with professional public relations consultants reflects a significant step up in the sophistication and media professionalism of non-profit organizations. This publication is designed to help those groups as they take their next steps in shaping public opinion through the media. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/WorkingWithPRConsultants.pdf Working with professional public relations consultants reflects a significant step up in the sophistication and media professionalism of non-profit organizations. This publication is designed to help those groups as they take their next steps in shaping public opinion through the media. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=228 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/onlinecomms.pdf One of the cruel ironies of nonprofit communications today is that, just as many organizations have begun to realize the importance of adopting a strategic approach to their communications work during the last five to ten years, the communications landscape itself has shifted radically beneath their feet. In 1996, a mere ten years ago, the fax was state-of-the-art for press release distribution, newsletters required stamps, and only computer nerds knew what HTML meant. Today, of course, trying to work without Internet access is nearly unthinkable, especially in an area like communications, where ease of distribution and cheap bandwidth made possible by technology are revolutionizing the discipline. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/onlinecomms.pdf One of the cruel ironies of nonprofit communications today is that, just as many organizations have begun to realize the importance of adopting a strategic approach to their communications work during the last five to ten years, the communications landscape itself has shifted radically beneath their feet. In 1996, a mere ten years ago, the fax was state-of-the-art for press release distribution, newsletters required stamps, and only computer nerds knew what HTML meant. Today, of course, trying to work without Internet access is nearly unthinkable, especially in an area like communications, where ease of distribution and cheap bandwidth made possible by technology are revolutionizing the discipline. But not to worry, the SPIN Project is on the case! For some insights into the brave new world of online communications and the resources to help you explore it, download our new tutorial. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/SPIN2006YearInReview.pdf 2006 was a busy year for us, and as we look back on our accomplishments last year, we are filled with appreciation for the support you gave to make our work a success. It was also a year of exciting transition for The SPIN Project. Along the way, we maintained our emphasis on providing the best possible communications services to social justice organizations, serving more organizations in more ways than ever before. Read on to find out what we were up to in '06! 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/SPIN2007EdCalendar.pdf An Editorial Calendar is one of the basics of creating an effective Communications Plan, and now is the time to start thinking about your communications efforts for the rest of 2007. The SPIN Project's 2007 Editorial Calendar (PDF Download) provides a list of events, holidays and other dates you can use as hooks for your pitches to reporters throughout the year. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org//downloads/TargetAudience.pdf There is an adage in communications: start where your audience is. The advice is simple to follow, but only if you know who your audience is. 2008-03-30 http://spinproject.org/article.php?id=194 A grant from the Ford Foundation allows SPIN to offer specialized services to advocates and scholars who are pressing for a more diverse, more local, more inclusive media landscape. 2008-03-30