Communication Plan 2000-2001



Goal #3

To increase recognition and support for EE by members of the news media in Wisconsin.

Objective 3A – Wisconsin radio, television and newspapers will increase the coverage of EE-related news and events.

Objective 3B – A network of key media contacts across Wisconsin who are supportive of EE will be developed and maintained.

Strategies for Targeting Members of the News Media in Wisconsin

A) Organizational Steps

  • Identify the major media markets in Wisconsin. Determine if a network of media contacts that are supportive of environmental education exists in these markets. These contacts should be in varied media outlets (newspaper, radio, TV) across the state. If such a network does not exist, it should be developed through the assistance of state EE organizations and/or media consultants with ties in these major markets.
  • Develop components of the organizing packet, including news releases, tips for writing news releases and advice for doing media coverage.
  • Collaborate with EE grants programs in the state (such as WEEB). As a stipulation of the grant award, grantees must send out news releases on their projects. Grantees should relate the key messages from the "EE Works for Wisconsin" promotional materials to their project.
  • Leadership should be provided by WEEB in developing a media workshop for EE organizations/conferences. The workshop will stress the importance of media relationships, the different types of media, and how to get your project/event/center into the news.

B) Implementation Steps

  • Hold workshops for the staff and volunteers from environmental education centers and EE organizations at state conferences to educate EE supporters about gaining media coverage for their center/project.
  • Encourage teachers and organizations to write news releases about events or projects that are being developed or implemented in their schools, EE centers or organizations. The news releases should include information pertaining to the key messages from the "EE Works for Wisconsin" program.
  • Encourage EE centers, EE organizations, and schools to maintain contact with media representatives in their major market area. EE centers, organizations, and schools should make sure that media representatives in newspapers, radio and TV know of EE related events or projects occurring in their area.
  • Request the Summer EE Master’s students, EE Liaisons, parent organizations and other teachers to write op-ed articles supporting EE for newspapers in their area.
  • Require WEEB grantees to write and send out news releases pertaining to their funded project. The news releases should relate the key EE messages for Wisconsin to the purpose of their project.