Press Releases

Press releases (also referred to as media releases, news releases, etc.) are tools OA uses to attract favorable media attention and public awareness about OA by highlighting topics, events, people, the organization itself, etc. and get them interested in featuring OA as a component of a story or featuring OA as the focus of the story. The press release provides reporters with the basic information they need to develop a news angle or story idea, and the information they need to complete necessary interviews and research. Publications rarely publish an actual press release.

Formatting a press release is not quite as important as crafting an appropriate title and introduction paragraph to get the reporter’s attention. Make sure that the most important information is found in the first paragraph, and it is clear what, who, when, and where something is happening – as well as accurate contact information. Reporters are busy and often times distracted – you want to make the most out of the little space and time they will be focused on your information. Once a press release has been sent, it’s important to follow up with the specific people with a phone call. Don’t be afraid to be creative or suggest possibilities – often times journalists will take your idea and run with it!

Sample PI Projects

Helping the still suffering compulsive overeater is our primary purpose. To help, we must get the word out to those still suffering. Please download the PI Ideas flyer (color) (bw) and distribute to your groups.  The PI Project Template is provided to service bodies to use when submitting its public information project for publication on this Web page.  Please click, fill out the form and share with the Fellowship the successful ways you are carrying the message to the public.

1.  Community and Health Fairs

• Recovery Expo (AZ)
• Health Fair (WA)
• Health Fair (CA)
• Wellness Program (MO)

2.  Press and Advertising

• Dear Abby Letter (TX)
• Diner Placemats (NY)

3.  Posters, Billboards and Community Notices

• Radio/Newspaper Notices (New Zealand)
• Billboard (TX)

4.  Telephone Lines

• Radio/Newspaper Notices (New Zealand)

5.  Professional Outreach

• Professional Presentation Folder (TX)
• Healthcare Convention (Israel)

6.  Public Speaking

• Public Information Meeting (New Zealand)
• School Outreach (NY)

PI Planner

The PI Planner provides a monthly PI focus or theme along with three to five suggestions for activities that might support each theme.

PI Posters

Download these posters to use at PI events or exhibit booths.

• Pizza Poster: professionally designed color poster, 8.5×11 inches
• Fork Poster: professionally designed color poster, 8.5×11 inches
• Pizza Poster: professionally designed color poster, 8.5×11 inches, Includes space for local group information
• Fork Poster: professionally designed color poster, 8.5×11 inches, Includes space for local group information
• 15 Questions
• How to Contact OA
• Is Food a Problem for You?
• Many Symptoms, One Solution
• OA Preamble
• Welcome to OA

Spreading the Word

Getting the word out in your community about OA’s program of recovery is critical for the OA Fellowship to continue. The PI (Public Information) Suggestions page offers guidance to OA groups and service bodies for educating their communities about the existence of OA.

For guidance in publicizing your meetings, download the PDF file Let People Know About Your Meeting.

Feel free to distribute the 2010 Membership Survey Report to professionals, the media, and anyone who wants to know more about OA. This report summarizes the results of the 2010 demographic survey of the Fellowship. The survey respondents answered questions such as the types of problems they have with food; whether they have lost weight, gained weight or neither; and how OA has helped them recover emotionally, physically and spiritually.

One way to get the word out to professionals in your community is to ask a professional who you know supports OA to write an article for publication in the Courier, a newsletter sent annually to professionals worldwide. For extra support in working with professionals in your community, see the Appendices of the Professional Outreach Manual, provided here as a PDF file for your convenience.

Do you have a good idea about Public Information? Did you have a successful PI event in your area? Submit your ideas to the WSO for publication on this page, and check back regularly for updates.

Would you like a pamphlet or booklet about OA directed to the overweight child for distribution at a health fair or conference? Click on Billy’s Story to download the pamphlet or The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous: A Kid’s View to download the booklet (PDF files).

Getting OA’s Public Service Announcement (PSA) Aired on Radio or Television

Carry the OA message through your local radio stations with OA’s new PSA, “ Start Living the Life You Deserve.” CD Contains 60-, 30- and 15-second spots. Includes eye-catching packaging, script and cover letter to stations. Click here to listen to the 60-second radio PSA.

Carry the OA message to your local television stations with OA’s PSA “Many Symptoms, the OA Solution.” Betacam format contains 60-, 30- and 15-second spots, and includes eye-catcing packaging, storyboard and cover letter. Click here to view the 60-second TV PSA.

For more PI suggestions, purchase the Public Information Service Manual from our online literature catalog.