Public Information Suggestions

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. Many communities sponsor public Information events and projects as a way to spread the word about Overeaters Anonymous. Download this PDF file to see sample PI projects and events from all over the world. The PI ad format is provided to aid service bodies planning PI projects in their areas.

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 Poster Kit

Download six posters to use at PI nights or for exhibit booths.

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.

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 Appendix 1 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

Carry the OA message through your local radio stations with OA’s new PSA, “ Start Living the Life You Deserve.” Contains 60-, 30- and 15-second spots. Includes script and cover letter to stations. Click here to listen to the 60-second radio PSA. Click here to download a PDF of instructions for getting the PSA aired.