Media advisories or news releases are used to alert the media of upcoming events. They should be sent out a few days before an event. Follow them up with a telephone call to make sure the news release was received and to offer additional information if required.

Keep your news release brief - no longer than one page. Make sure the introduction is clear, simple, gets straight to the point and has enough impact to get it noticed by a busy journalist within 10 seconds.

Make sure the facts are correct and that there are no spelling or typing mistakes. Ensure it looks professional too. Then check your drafts with friends or colleagues and keep drafting until you get it perfect.

For more advice on dealing with the media, click here.

For immediate release

CITY, Date: Explain the 'who, what, when, where, why and how' of your activity or campaign. Use no more than 30 words. This is not easy...

Example - BONN, 27 November 2008: Maverick musician Jan Schmidt and other volunteers will clean up the streets of Bonn in the first of a series of events for International Volunteer day on 5 December.

<<The second paragraph should explain the main idea of your event or activity. Include details which answer the question, 'Why is your event or activity important or unique?' Use quotes or facts which substantiate this point. >>

<<The third paragraph, if used, should further explain the purpose of the event. It can contain the most interesting details about how your event or activity will make a difference to people's lives and/or the importance of volunteerism.>>

<<The fourth paragraph, if used, can contain further details about aspects of the event and volunteerism.>>

<<End with the paragraph below to explain the background of IVD>>

The United Nations General Assembly created International Volunteer Day (IVD) in 1985 as an annual celebration of voluntary action for volunteers, volunteer organizations and governments. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the designated international focal point for IVD, and supports and encourages its worldwide celebration on 5 December. 

For more details, visit the IVD website: www.worldvolunteerweb.org/intl-volunteer-day.html

Your name, organization
Your telephone and fax number
Your email address
Your website address