Hosting Press Release
From AFSWiki
Use these press releases as a guide to write your own. These releases can be customized to reflect your need (example if you need more liaisons, if you’re looking for returnees to help at events, etc.) and can be used in newsletters, newspapers, emails, etc.
Make sure the hosted student and parent have given permission to participate in publicity (Form 6 of the student’s application) and make sure you have permission from the host family to submit their name and information in this release. If in doubt, use the media consent and release form. Also, do not focus on sports activities of the students as this violates the CSIET Host Family Recruitment Standards. You can mention generically about social activities and community service activities.
Please replace the items in parentheses with local information and always place the AFS Logo on all press releases in the upper right or left corner. The “About AFS” section should also always be included.
Introduction to an Email
Always include an introduction when you send a press release that explains who you are, what your local connection is, and why the paper should run the press release. Here is a good sample of an introductory email:
Hi [Newspaper Name or Contact Person],
I volunteer for AFS-USA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. We are currently looking for host families for high school exchange students in our community. We hope you consider using this press release about our need for local families (text for the release is included below), and the value they bring to our community.
If you'd like to know more about AFS in <Community> or want to arrange an interview, please let me know and I can put you in touch with local volunteers, host families, or hosted students.
Thank you. <Your Name> <Your Email Address> <Your Phone Number>
About AFS
AFS is a worldwide, nonprofit organization that has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. Each year, AFS-USA sends more than 1,400 U.S. students abroad, provides approximately $3 million in scholarships and financial aid, and welcomes 2,300 international high school students who come to study in U.S. high schools and live with host families. More than 5,000 volunteers in the U.S. make the work of AFS possible.
Example Press Releases in Word to be downloaded and customized:
