Advices from Free Tibet activists

http://www.racefortibet.org/resources/organize.php

Tips for Writing Letters

There are a few simple rules:

1. Always be polite. This rule is essential and invariable. Your aim is to help, not to relieve your own feelings. Governments don't respond to abusive letters.
2. Always write your letters on the basis that the government concerned is open to reason and discussion.
3. Try to follow ICT's list of recommendations in the case in question. For instance, if an Appeal asks you to appeal for medical treatment for a prisoner, make sure that you request this, and not a fair trial or release. One message said repeatedly is stronger than many mixed signals.
4. Stress that your concern for human rights is not politically based in any way, but in keeping with basic principles of international law.
5. If you have any special interest or link with the country, it is a good idea to mention this in your letter. For instance, you may have visited it or studied its history.

Be brief. A good rule is not to write more than one page (i.e. one side).

Tips for Writing Media Releases

The press release is the standard way of distributing stories to the media to give advance notice of an event you are planning and provide background information on the nature of the event. A press release also makes it easier for journalists to file the story and get the facts right.

Tips:

* Read newspapers - what sort of stories are printed in which parts of the newspaper?
* Are there particular journalists covering related stories?
* Always make it clear who a press release is coming from, e.g. by using headed paper. It makes it look official and professional, and immediately shows journalists who is writing.
* Make the heading interesting and put it in capitals or bold. Always put a date on your news release. Make it clear to whom it is addressed (for example, news editor).
* Always type - never handwrite. Use double line spacing to allow journalists to more easily mark and make changes to the copy.
* Keep it short and simple. Ideally, press releases should be on one side of paper.
* Keep paragraphs and sentences short.
* Put the main facts - and the "5Ws" in the first paragraph if possible:
o Who is doing it?
o What is happening?
o Where is it happening?
o When is it happening?
o Why is it happening?
* Make the first sentence interesting. If you do not hook the journalist's attention immediately s/he will not read on.
* Try and include a good quote from someone associated with the release, explaining why you are involved with Beijing 2008: Race for Tibet
* Always put at least one contact name with day and evening contact numbers on the release. Make sure the contact person will be available on these numbers at the specified times.
* It is always important to follow up press releases. Whether you post or fax the release you do not know whether it has reached its destination unless you check. There is only one way to make sure, and to find out whether the journalist is interested, and that is to talk to the person. This will also give you a chance to summarize why your release is important and newsworthy.

Tips for Organizing Events

Organize a 'Race for Tibet' event in your local area! Whether it be a fun run, dinner party, read-a-thon or bike race, get your friends together, have fun and spread the word!

Please note: Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we are unable to help you fund or plan your local event. However, we'd love to receive news of your event and see photos of how it went. Please drop us an email - click here!

Tips:

* Give yourself sufficient time to plan your event
* Choose carefully the type of event you want to organize (eg. dinner party, movie screening, bike race) and ask a friend or colleague to help you plan
* Decide on the location for your event. If it's in a public place, check whether you need to get permission from the local authorities
* Choose an appropriate date. Is the date suitable or does it clash with any other events in your area?
* Write down a list of all the things that you need to organise and tick them off as you go along. They could include:
o When and where will you hold the event?
o How will you raise awareness of it?
o How much support do you need?
o Who do you need to ask for permission?
* Consider how you'll promote the event:
o Who are you trying to attract?
o Do you need any flyers or posters? How many? Who will design and print them?
o Where will you put them?
o Do you need to send a press release to local papers or local radio? If so, click here to read Tips for Writing Media Releases
o Do you need to print invites?
* On the day, designate at least one table to Beijing 2008: Race for Tibet materials:
o Download and print Tibet fact sheets - click here.
o Order Beijing 2008: Race for Tibet stickers - click here.
o Order Beijing 2008: Race for Tibet postcards - click here.
* Take lots of photos
* Write a story about your event and email it to us!