Start prior to the event; generally plan ahead at least one week. The press release should consist of at least four paragraphs. This is the rule, not the exception.

First Paragraph:
This paragraph should consist of Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Consider the following:

• Who will be involved?
• What will be taught?
• Where will it take place?
• When will it take place?
• How will the people be involved?

Second Paragraph:
This paragraph expands on the ideas presented in the first paragraph. Any relevant information about the project is presented here. This should be compelling yet concise.

Third Paragraph:
This paragraph answers the question: "What is SIFE?" This should be taken DIRECTLY from the fact sheet. Do not rewrite this.

Fourth Paragraph:
This paragraph provides means to contact Texas State SIFE. This paragraph should include:

• The SIFE advisors, their emails, and their phone numbers
• The presiding President, his/her email, and his/her number
• Your name, your email, and your number
• The Texas State SIFE website address

To Whom Do I Send the Press Release?

The press release should be sent to relevant news outlets. The easiest source of success comes from small town newspapers and school related outlets such as school newsletters and newspapers.

To discover who the proper contact at a newspaper is, do the following:

1. Pick up an area newspaper at the grocery store, not a quick-stop – there are more small newspapers at grocery stores.
2. Search for a listing of names, numbers, etc. in the paper.
3. There is often a higher education or metro-state section in the paper. Small town newspapers usually have small staffs.
4. Papers like the Austin-American Statesman have both a higher education and a metro-state section.
5. School newsletters are often controlled by secretaries. School newspapers are usually student run and have an office somewhere on campus.
6. If all else fails, use initiative. You can always find out who to send the release to by calling the outlet and asking.

Make it Happen

You must meet the person you speak to on the phone. Personal contact creates bonding. Sell the release as "Time Urgent." You must call several times before the event happens and check to make sure the release will be published. You must be convincing in relaying how important the release is. Make sure you emphasize how important it is for the release to be published and how disappointing it will be if it isn't.

Do not contact major newspapers, television, or radio for minor projects. Stick with small town outlets. Make sure the release is newsworthy and involves the community in some way.

Example Press Release

Second Graders Learn about Business and Entrepreneurship
(Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX) - On Thursday, February 19, 2004, Texas State University student and member of the Texas State Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team, William Smith, taught students from Mrs. Delaney's third grade class at Bowie Elementary School about the principles of entrepreneurship and how to open your own business.

The project entitled "Tommy T-Rex" taught the students about principles and concepts of free enterprise and economics. These principles included: personal responsibility, reward for work, math concepts, specialization of labor, profit, products and services, spending and saving, and the sales process. Tommy T-Rex teaches how entrepreneurs succeed by identifying a market need and then profitably producing and marketing a product or service to fill that need, a requirement given by SIFE headquarters. Tommy T-Rex also meets the Texas essential knowledge and skills requirements for basic understanding of economic principles.

SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that is literally changing the world through highly dedicated student teams on more than 1600 university campuses in 40 countries. SIFE offers these students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process. Texas State SIFE is one of the leading collegiate teams within the United States. Texas State SIFE has placed within the Top 20 at national competitions since 1997 and was the International Champion in 2000.

For more information contact:
Vicki West
Texas State University-San Marcos
Phone: (512) 245-3224
E-Mail: vw03@txstate.edu