Adopt-a-Stream Public Relations Plan
The Local Section Public Relations Guide provides a very detailed description of how to publicize a program including the suggested timeline below.
Adopt-a-Stream Program Overview
Some communities have enough interest to warrant a city, county or watershed Adopt-A-Stream program. A community program can coordinate the efforts of many volunteers and provide local insight and resources to water quality protection. A community program will usually be organized by local agencies, such as Clean and Beautiful Commission, a public utility, national organizations, a college, or a state planning department.
Adopt-A- Stream Talking Points
- Increases public awareness of water quality issues
- Conveys our concern for water quality and the environment to the next generation
- Encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for the quality of local waterways.
- This program provides citizens with the tools and training to evaluate and protect their local waterways.
- This program encourages partnerships between citizens and their local government.
- Our quality of life is directly related to the quality of the rivers, streams and wetlands around us.
- The water we have now is all the water we’ll ever have (Water Cycle).
- Regular monitoring provides specific information about the health of our local streams and other water bodies.
PR Timeline
6 months before program begins:
- Determine site for project
- Take “before” pictures – What did site look like before the program?
- Determine the message (e.g. outreach, education, partnerships, service)
- Determine the audiences (local media, national media, partner’s outlets for media)
- Prepare materials (media release(s), invitations, signage, t-shirts, online products)
2 weeks before program begins:
- Invite the public through media outlets (television, radio, newspaper, Internet)
- Identify the spokesperson and key messages
- Gather sample data from site to use in key messages
- Depending on the news outlet timing send media release
(Note: do not ignore local media)
2 days before program begins:
- Make follow-up phone calls to the media
Day of the Event
- Send summary of the event and photos to the media
- Upload summary of the event and photos to the SOP webpage
After the Event
- Send notes of appreciation to participants and organizers.