The following press release guidelines and templates will help you get positive Phi Kappa Tau news into the community and campus, and back to the Executive Offices.
You should send a press release when:
A member wins an award, receives a scholarship or is honored in some other way.
You want to publicize an event or report on the success of an event.
You want to publicize a chartering or colonization.
You should send a press release to:
Your campus newspaper
Your local (or the member’s local) newspaper
The Executive Offices This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Alumni/Undergraduates
Your IFC
Things to remember when writing the press release:
Don’t forget to include your contact information and the words “Press Release” in your press release (see templates for examples).
Your headline should sum up the gist of your press release in a few words. If the start of your press release is confusing or doesn’t tell an editor anything, they’ll move on the next one. Also, most headlines should be written in present tense.
Keep your press release short, simple and to the point! Generally press releases are no longer than one page, and can go longer only if there’s enough information. Each paragraph should be no longer than two or three sentences. If a newspaper or magazine wants more information, they’ll contact you.
Give the “who, what when, where and why” of the press release in the first paragraph. Sometimes, editors don’t read past the first couple lines and you want them to read the important information first.
Generally, press releases are double spaced to leave room for editors’ and reporters’ notes in the news room.
To signal a press release is finished, use “###” or “-30-”.
When e-mailing your press release, the subject line should read, “For Immediate Release” or “Press Release” to alert the recipient that your message is important.
Don’t forget to send press releases to both campus and local newspapers (and copy the Executive Offices!), even for alumni. Your school wants to know what their alumni are doing, as well.
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity
Your e-mail address
Your address
Your phone number
PRESS RELEASE
Your name (Your phone number)
Headline (ex: Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity to Hold Leadership Academy in Oxford)
DATE
DATELINE (ex: Oxford, Ohio)
Insert paragraph here with the who, what, when, where and why of the event. (ex: Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity is holding its 2009 Leadership Academy July 15-19, 2009, at Miami University in Oxford. More than 200 undergraduates will take part in the Fraternity’s premier leadership development event led by Phi Tau alumni and friends.)
Insert detailed paragraph here about the event. (ex: Leadership Academy’s curriculum guides students to think critically about important issues facing individuals, chapters and the Fraternity, while preparing them to be ethical leaders on their campus and in their chosen field. The event challenges men to translate the creed and Ritual of Phi Kappa Tau into positive action. Leadership Academy is a biennial event always held in Oxford, Ohio.)
Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a collegiate fraternity that fosters three core ideals within its membership: learning, leading and serving. Currently, the Fraternity has 85 active groups—82 chapters and 3 colonies, or student organizations in the final stages of being installed as a chartered chapter.
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity
Your e-mail address
Your address
Your phone number
PRESS RELEASE
Your name (Your phone number)
Headline (ex: Local Receives Fraternity Foundation Scholarship)
DATE
DATELINE (ex: Oxford, Ohio)
Insert paragraph here about the featured member and their honor, award, scholarship, etc. (ex: Columbus resident John Doe, a senior at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, was awarded a Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship through the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. A communications major working towards a career in non-profit, Doe holds a 3.9 GPA.)
Insert paragraph here about the honor, award, scholarship, etc. (ex: The Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship is named for brother Paul Elfers, a charter member of Omega chapter at the University of Wisconsin. Six $2,250 scholarships are awarded through Elfers generosity, and Doe was chosen for his work as an outstanding chapter treasurer.)
Insert detailed paragraph here about the featured member. (ex: Doe initiated into Phi Kappa Tau in 2005 with the Alpha chapter at Miami. He currently serves as his chapter’s president. Previously, he served as chapter vice president, risk management chair, and treasurer.)
Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a collegiate fraternity that fosters three core ideals within its membership: learning, leading and serving. Currently, the Fraternity has 85 active groups—82 chapters and 3 colonies, or student organizations in the final stages of being installed as a chartered chapter.