|
World Refugee Day 2003
How to Set Up an Editorial Board Visit
When should I request a meeting
with the editorial board of my newspaper?
Ask for an editorial board meeting whenever
an issue important to your organization is being debated, such as
the U.S. refugee resettlement crisis and how it affects your community
and the recent formation of the Bipartisan Congressional Refugee Caucus.
What is the purpose of meeting with the editorial
board?
An editorial in support of your issue can influence
policymakers and public opinion in your community. You want to present
the issue, answer any questions they have and ask them to write an
editorial in support of your issue. Sometimes you may provide an update
or background on an issue without asking for an editorial.
Whom should I contact to schedule the meeting?
A small newspaper’s positions on issues
are generally decided by the publisher or by the managing editor.
Editorial positions at larger newspapers are determined by an editorial
board. Contact the secretary of the editorial page editor and ask
what their procedures are for scheduling an editorial board meeting.
Some will ask you to put your request in writing. Be prepared to provide
summary of the issue and an explanation of why the paper should care
about it.
Who should attend from my organization?
Limit to three or four the number of people
you take to an editorial meeting. Possible choices include the chief
executive officer; the chief operating officer; someone, such as a
refugee, who is affected by the issue; someone who can answer operational
questions; someone conversant with legislation regarding the issue;
and your communications professional. Each person selected should
be prepared to answer questions or add to the discussion in a substantive
way.
What information should I provide?
Prepare a kit with information that explains
and supports your position—facts and figures, a backgrounder
on the issue, a statement of local impact, brief human interest examples
of how people are affected locally and nationally, basic information
about your organization, a bio of your president, and contact information.
What is the average timeline for this activity?
Plan ahead! With small newspapers, you may
be able to schedule an appointment for the next day. With larger newspapers,
you may need to write a letter, wait a week for a response and another
two weeks for a meeting if they are interested in your issue. The
time required to write and publish the editorial following your meeting
will vary.
Is it worth all the trouble?
It is valuable to establish a working relationship
with the editorial board. It is easier to manage a crisis if they
are acquainted with your program, staff, mission and good work.
Main World Refugee Day page
Prepared by Susan Baukhages, June 2003
|
