It s also another way to gain additional positive media coverage. While editorial board meetings can be difficult to schedule, the editorial staff play a critical role in ensuring that your MIAW and other mental illnesses messages are included in the publications editorial coverage. Assemble a small group of experts such as a consumer, family member, psychiatrist and business leader active in mental illness issues to pitch the editorial staff. Prepare the appropriate background materials, such as fact sheets, recent studies, recovery success stories, etc., and call the editorial page editor and suggest a meeting. Timed to MIAW, the editors might be open to hosting such a meeting.
Editorials carry more punch and power than a straight news story.
One published as a result of your meeting could be quite effective. While this important event has occurred over the last 15 years, getting an official endorsement from your governor or mayor in the form of a proclamation will add even more credibility to MIAW and your activities. The sample proclamation in this guide will help you devise your own decree specific to your state or city. It also provides yet another tool to gain additional media exposure. Local Hero Awards Host an awards dinner or luncheon for people who have done an outstanding job eliminating stigma against people with severe mental illnesses or those who have helped raise awareness of the injustices people with these disorders regularly face.