The University of Tennessee can help publicize your chapter or event with a mailer or e-mail blast from the national office. Below are some example mailers and e-mails that have been used in the past. To have one of these pieces sent out to the alumni in your area simply contact your chapter director and fill out an information form.
There are many other ways that your chapter can work to publicize your chapter or upcoming event. Start Brainstorming and Get Creative!
Here are some ideas to start with:
Phone trees are a great way to drum up excitement about an upcoming chapter event. Splitting up the list will make it go faster and easier for all involved. As part of the President’s Kit, the chapter receives a CD that has an excel file of all people that are part of their chapter constituency.
For example, you would say the following:
“Good evening, John. My name is Jane Doe and I am part of the Washington County UT Alumni Chapter. I am calling to follow up on the invitation you should have received for the upcoming banquet with Dr. John Smith, Professor of Chemistry. I am calling to see if you would join us at the banquet.”
By calling, you will make personal contact with a person – you may even get a new person interested in being part of your chapter leadership.
Below is an example press release that you can use to send to your local paper to inform them of the upcoming alumni event in your area. Most local papers also post a calendar of special events in the area. Simply call your local paper and ask who receives the calendar listing for the paper and write calendar listing at the top of the press release. If you have any questions or need help simply contact your chapter director.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
<DATE SENDING>
<SPEAKER NAME> To Speak At <CHAPTER NAME> ALUMNI EVENT <DAY OF WEEK>, <DATE OF EVENT>
<SPEAKER NAME>, <TITLE>, will speak to the award-winning <CHAPTER NAME> on <DAY>, <DATE>. The event begins with a reception at <TIME>. and the dinner and program beginning at<TIME>.
The cost is $XX per adult, $XX per child ages 5 to 11, and free for ages 4 and under. The event will be held at the <LOCATION>, <LOCATION ADDRESS>.
<BIO INFO ON SPEAKER FROM OFFICE OR MAILER>
All UT National Alumni Association events are open to the public. Checks should be made to <INFO> and mailed by <DATE> to<ADDRESS>.
For further information contact <CHAPTER CONTACT> at <PHONE NUMBER> or <E-MAIL>
-END-
Part of the Chapter Awards Program is inviting community leaders to your annual meeting or event that work with UT on various levels. It is a good idea to send Legislators, Media Representatives, Guidance Counselors and Principals in your area, an invitation to your alumni events and meeting.
