GFWC 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:
Include these basic elements in every press release:
GFWC also supports the arts, works to preserve natural resources, advances education, encourages civic involvement, and works toward world peace and understanding.
For more information, including how to join or start a GFWC club in your area, go to www.GFWC.org or call 1-800-443-GFWC (4392).
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.
Consider the following:
- Is this article relevant beyond GFWC? Is there a human-interest angle?
- 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)
Include these basic elements in every press release:
- GFWC Unity in Diversity Emblem
- PRESS RELEASE
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: These words should appear in bold face type the upper right-hand margin, just under the GFWC Unity in Diversity emblem. You should capitalize every letter.
- Contact Information: Designate one or two members as media liaisons or club spokespersons ~ include names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Be sure they are knowledgeable about the information contained in the press release as well as your 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.
- Include club’s address and website information, if applicable.
- Boiler Plate: The standard message that details GFWC’s purpose, mission, and history.
GFWC also supports the arts, works to preserve natural resources, advances education, encourages civic involvement, and works toward world peace and understanding.
For more information, including how to join or start a GFWC club in your area, go to www.GFWC.org or call 1-800-443-GFWC (4392).
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.
Generic Press Release sample
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Rebranding Press Release 11.13.2023
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