This page will have links to press releases for all GFWC of Massachusetts events.  These press releases will be in Microsoft Word format so that members can personalize them for their clubs.  Also, included below are GFWC's guidelines for press releases and a sample press release to be personnalized by your Public Affairs Chairman for your club events.

GFWC's Guidelines for Press Releases

Develop a news “angle” or “hook” to pique the media’s attention and increase the changes for media
coverage. Consider the following:

• Is this relevant beyond GFWC?
• What is the impact (i.e., dollars raised, people served, lives affected, community improvement)?
• Why is this story significant?
• Is it unique or unusual?
• Does it make people’s lives easier?
• Major achievements (i.e., significant anniversary, recognition from a program partner or legislative
• body)
• Is there a human interest angle?

Include these basic elements in every press release:

• GFWC Emblem
• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: These words should appear in bold face type the upper right-hand
• margin, just under the GFWC emblem. You should capitalize every letter.
• Contact Information: Designate one or two members as media liaisons or club spokespersons.
• Include their names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses on the release. Be sure they are
• knowledgeable about the information contained in the press release as well as the club, state
• federation, and GFWC.
• Headline: Skip two lines after your Contact information and use a boldface type.
• Dateline: This should be the city your club is located and the date the release is issued.
• Lead Paragraph: The first paragraph needs to grasp the reader’s attention and should contain the
• relevant information to your message (who, what, when, where, why).
• Text: The main body of your press release where your message should fully develop.
• Add # # # at the end of the release in the center of the page. This conveys the release is finished.
• Boiler Plate: The standard message that details GFWC’s purpose, mission, and history.
• Include club’s address and website information, if applicable.

Proofread! Always proofread your work before sending the release. Whenever possible, have someone else review the document for spelling, grammar, and fact-checking,

Distribute your press release to local media. Most media outlets prefer to receive releases via e-mail, but it’s best to check with the journalist to determine his/her delivery preference.

Follow-up with your media contacts to ensure they received the press release and to determine if they have any follow-up questions.

Sample Press Release:

Contact: [Club President or Appropriate Chairman]                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P: [Contact Phone Number]
E: [Contact E-mail Address]

HEADLINE USING ALL UPPERCASE LETTERS

Subtitle in Italics

Month Day, Year (City, State) – Opening paragraph should contain: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Remainder of body text should include any relevant information, including benefits, statistics, area of impact, etc.
Add quotes from club president, community leaders, program partners, or elected officials. Be sure the quote is
appropriate based upon the press release topic and you have the person’s permission to use the quote.

At end of release insert:

# # #
(indicates press release is finished)

[Add Boilerplate]
About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members
dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With
100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are
community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources,
advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace
and understanding.

[Organization Contact Information]

1734 N Street NW | Washington, DC 20036-2990 | www.GFWC.org

Phone: 202-347-3168 | Toll Free: 800-443-GFWC (4392) | F: 202-835-0246