Basic Media Relations

This week-long course is designed to help local union leadership and communicators to develop better media relations and gain the necessary tools for dealing with media campaigns.

Course instructors include USW Communications staff and United Steelworkers Press Association (USPA) trainers. Classes are conducted at the request of Districts or Locals, or on an as-needed basis.

Course objectives include:

• To encourage interested activists to get involved with proactive communications and to understand how to connect with your intended audience;
• To inspire confidence in potential communicators so they can offer the skills learned to their locals or districts;
• To learn the guidelines for media relations and how to formulate effective messages (promoting the union);
• To acquire basic experience in writing press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor and opinion editorials;
• To understand the tools and resources available to help local activists effectively communicate their issue or the union’s message.