Skip to main content
Social Sci LibreTexts

Module 3: Assignment- Applying Advocacy, A Press Release

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    247220
    • Victoria Newsom and Desiree Ann Montenegro
    • Olympic College and Cerritos College

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)

    Submitting: a text entry box, or a file upload

    Points: 40

    Module 3 Assignment: Applying Advocacy, A Press Release

    Objectives

    The goal of this assignment is twofold:

    1. Create a press release rooted in advocacy practices as described in the module.
    2. Apply the basics of advocacy, problem-posing, reflexivity, hegemony, news media, and public communication.

    Instructions

    In this assignment you will advocate about a local or regional issue or problem you identify based on a review of recent local news stories. Identify one or two central problems in the local community based on these news stories. Develop a communication plan that would be an effective means of communicating information about the problem(s), and what could be done to address the problem(s) to one of the following audience groups. Use the template hyperlinked here as a guide.

    1. A local community group
    2. A local campus
    3. A town hall meeting
    4. A local organization

    Choose the appropriate audience you are designing this communication plan for based, in part, on problem(s) you identify in the stories that you choose.

    Be sure to apply the basic concepts and ideas about advocacy included in this module for a successful project.

    If there is any concern that your advocacy goal might be considered controversial be sure to clear your idea with the instructor.

    Parts of the Press Release Communication Plan

    Your communication plan should be designed around the following components:

    • Introduction: Provide a brief, one paragraph abstract or summary of what your communication plan will cover, including a statement of the problem, a statement of your objectives and purpose, a discussion of your intended audience and a brief description of your examples.
    • Background on the Problem: The background of your communication plan should have information that outlines and explains the problem(s) you have identified. This section should draw upon information found in the module, as well as any credible outside sources you choose to include.
    • Audience Analysis: The audience analysis involves two key elements:
      1. Who comprises your audience, and how will their beliefs and understanding of the topic influence your communication needs and goals, and;
      2. What processes must be undertaken to effectively reach this audience group? Do they have leaders, committees, required communication processes, and/or public spaces that need to be contacted or utilized for your message to reach the audience group?
    • Goals/Objectives: What is the core argument you are making about the problem you identified? How will communicating about this problem make a difference? How will involving the audience group you have chosen impact the problem? Clearly state your objectives and goals for producing this communication plan and communicating about the problem to a public audience.
    • Potential Issues and Risks: For this section you should identify and define the possible issues or risks in getting your message out to this group. Are there potential resistant audience members? Are there financial considerations for audiences or your presentation that need to be addressed? Are there potential at-risk audience members who might need to be protected?
    • Resource Inventory: For this section, outline the resources that you have available, and what resources are needed for this communication plan to be effectively implemented. These resources should include community resources affiliated with your audience group, as well as any financial resources available for the audience or yourself. Be sure to reference local news outlets.
    • The Press Release: For this section you should highlight the following:
      • A headline that grabs the audience's attention
      • A lead paragraph that gets right to the point. Be sure this paragraph includes most of the argumentative message you are trying to convey in the first sentence as readers and reporters tend to scan the information quickly.
      • Include any data you can find.
      • Use quotes whenever possible.
      • Include your contact information.
      • One page is the best length for a press release so be concise.
      • Tell your readers where to go for further details (use the best of your resources here).
      • Proof read and be sure grammar, punctuation, spelling, and message cohesion are addressed correctly.
    • References: List all academic research sources used for your background details. List the stories you used as examples from the modules, and any additional stories or data you added to support your objectives. All research and data sources should be in proper citation format.

    Don't Forget

    • Be sure to cite and reference all module or external content, in proper format.
    • Reflect and think about how the concepts and theories in this module related to your life and experiences.
    • Think about these assignments as application exercises reflecting the module materials.
    Applying Advocacy: Communication Plan and Press Release Rubric
    Criteria Ratings Pts
    Clear message and goal for advocacy presented

    10.0 pts

    Full Marks

    8.0 pts

    Very Good

    6.0 pts

    Partial Marks

    2.0 pts

    Borderline

    0.0 pts

    No Marks

    		 10.0
    Collaboration is clear with adequate input from all members of the group

    10.0 pts

    Full Marks

    8.0 pts

    Very Good

    6.0 pts

    Partial Marks

    2.0 pts

    Borderline

    0.0 pts

    No Marks

    		 10.0
    Concepts are connected to the readings

    10.0 pts

    Full Marks

    8.0 pts

    Very Good

    6.0 pts

    Partial Marks

    2.0 pts

    Borderline

    0.0 pts

    No Marks

    		 10.0
    Overall quality of the project is solid

    10.0 pts

    Full Marks

    8.0 pts

    Very Good

    6.0 pts

    Partial Marks

    2.0 pts

    Borderline

    0.0 pts

    No Marks

    		 10.0
    Total points: 40.0

    This page titled Module 3: Assignment- Applying Advocacy, A Press Release is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Victoria Newsom and Desiree Ann Montenegro via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.