Don’t be discouraged if your story doesn’t appear. Even small local newspapers can receive hundreds of releases each week. There may simply not have been room or something else may have been deemed to be more pressing or popular or it may appear just on their online version. If it is online, be sure to link to it and share via your unit’s communications to families (Facebook, website & email).
Feel free to call or drop into their office to inquire (politely) as to why your story didn’t make it. If it wasn’t a time-sensitive item, it may be going in the next week. And, use this opportunity to establish a personal contact at the paper and to educate yourself: ask how you might better submit your news to suit their needs, what they look for in photos, etc. Every newspaper has its own journalistic style and the kind of news it likes to feature. Find out what drives their selection process. And, most importantly, keep trying!
Internal Scouting Audiences
Don’t forget about sharing your stories with fellow Scouting leaders and families through Northern Star Council communications. Unit stories and ideas are featured in the quarterly print “Navigator” (Feb. May. Aug. Nov.) and eNavigator (the other eight months), as well as through Facebook and Twitter. Simply send the text and photos to [email protected].
Connect Via Social Media
Be sure to “Like” Northern Star Council and follow @NorthernStarBSA on Twitter for updates and Scouting news, as well as awesome shareable content to help promote your unit. Many units have Facebook pages and most of your member families are likely on Facebook—use the opportunity to share photos, highlights of activities, camps and outings that through sharing will extend the positive information on Scouting to friends and even more families.