Local Media Tools

Media outreach by our supporters is invaluable in engaging the public in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. With the help of volunteers like you, last year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign garnered tremendous press coverage throughout the nation and raised nearly $5 million for children in need worldwide.

In the days and weeks ahead you will likely come into contact with a member of the press. In all of your communication with the press, you should make clear to journalists that you are a volunteer and not a UNICEF staff spokesperson — and are therefore unable to answer specific questions about UNICEF's mission and programs. You are, of course, encouraged to make comments about your Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF activities in your capacity as a volunteer.

We hope that this year's press coverage will equal — if not surpass — this success. In the resources provided below you will find templates to help you publicize your local efforts and spread the word about Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

Media Tips & Guidelines: The media tips and guidelines sheet will provide you with the necessary information for approaching the media, securing media and discerning when to turn the interview opportunity over to the national office.

Template Media Alert: This document will alert members of the press about a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF event you may be holding. This alert should be sent to members of the press two to three days prior to your event.

Template Press Release: This template press release should be used to publicize your event and/or fundraising activity. This press release should be distributed to members of the press on the day of your event. While the alert is used to notify and invite press to your event, the press release is used to help press write about the event.

Template Letter to the Editor: A letter to the editor should be sent to your local newspapers one week prior to the date you would like it to run. For smaller publications this is often the editor of the newspaper. Call the news desk of your local newspapers and inquire who your letter should be addressed to. You may also find this information in the paper itself, or online if the publication has a website.

Radio Script: The radio script can be faxed to local radio stations to be read on air. It should be sent to the attention of the station's Director of Public Affairs, with a cover letter, at least three weeks prior to October 31.

UNICEF Fact Sheet: This fact sheet provides general information about UNICEF. It can be used for presentations and to help you pitch Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF to members of the press.

Thank you for your time and commitment to making a world fit for children. We hope you find these resources helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1.800.4UNICEF or trickortreat@unicefusa.org if you have additional questions.

Updated October 7, 2005