Plan a Screening EventIt's easy to plan a screening event using MINDS ON THE EDGE, whether it is in your living room or with a larger group, using the tools below. Sample materials for event handouts and for event publicity demonstrate what you might do. Just download the sample and substitute the information for location, time, speakers, etc. for your event in the places suggested.
To get started in planning an event, go to the Engage Your Community web page for suggestions on where you might hold an event and how to use MINDS ON THE EDGE to encourage a dialogue about issues that are important in your community.
The downloadable Viewer's Guide also offers suggestions for structuring a screening event. It will help you, or someone else invited to moderate the event, to lead an effective discussion of the issues raised in the program.
Follow these easy steps:
- Print out the Viewer's Guide and consider what issues you want to focus on during your event.
- Promote your event with these easy to customize models.
Event flier
Event press release - Customize an audience handout and print the number you need.
Event program
For more graphic resources and ideas for using email and social media like Facebook to promote your activities, visit the Help Sread the Word web page.
HELPFUL LINKS
Viewer's GuideMeet the Panelists
Event Fliers
Event Press Release
Event Programs
EVENT FLIERS
- Consider these two models and customize one for your event.
- Print on colored paper to add impact.
- Promote your event by distributing the flier throughout the community:
- public library
- community center
- senior center
- grocery store
- community college
- high school guidance counselor
- house of worship bulletin board
Event Flier #1:
For a screening event and group discussion
Event Flier #2:
For a screening event/professional meeting focused on a particular issue
EVENT PRESS RELEASE
Enlist the news media to publicize your event and to cover the important issue of mental illness.
- This press release model provides a starting point for a press release for your event.
- Insert information about the location, time, and speakers (if applicable) at your event.
- The quotation provided is a sample. You may chose to change this to suit the focus of your event or make a different point.
- Include the names of any organizations that might be co-sponsoring the event. If you have a project funder, that should be added at the end.
- Keep the release brief and to the point.
- Your goal should be 1) publicity for the event in advance by an announcement in the calendar listing or an item 2) assignment of a reporter to cover the event.
- News releases can be sent to more than one person at the same newspaper, radio or television station: e.g. the news editor or director, producers, assignment editors, health reporters and any one with whom you have had previous contact or know personally. Be sure to include the "calendar listing" editor or producer on your media list.
- Build your media list by checking the website of the newspaper, radio or TV station. Most reporters and editors prefer to receive press releases by email. You can call to ask for email and telephone contact information for the individuals you want to target.
- Deliver your press release to news media well in advance of your event. Two weeks prior to the event is good timing for weekly newspapers and radio/TV programs that generally book guests well in advance. That also gives you the best potential to get into weekly calendar listings.One week in advance is adequate for the news desk at daily newspapers.
- Make follow-up calls to the news editor asking coverage.
EVENT PROGRAMS
- Chose from these two samples and customize for your event.
- Print out the program on two pages of 8 1/2" x 11" paper
- Print back to back and fold
Event Program #1:
For a screening event
Event Program #2:
For a screening event and panel discussion
