GUIDE TO WRITING NEWS RELEASES

1.  Content needs to be news--something has to have happened; a newsworthy event 
should be the focus.  

2.  All information must be accurate.  In order to preserve credibility and an attractive 
public image, we must always do our best to carefully check any information, such as 
addresses, etc. and any figures, claims made, or any other data we present, for accuracy.  

3.  Press releases should be written in journalistic style, presenting facts, using clear, 
concise, simple, to-the-point sentences, with information placed in order of importance 
(sample news release attached).  The release should give the "five W's," telling what 
happened or will be happening, whom is involved, where the event took place or will 
take place, when the news event took place or is to take place, and why it happened or 
will happen.  "How" it happened or is expected to happen should also be included.  The 
release should end with a journalistic closing symbol, "-30-" or "###."  

4.  Use no more than one sheet, if possible.  Use letter size paper (8 1/2 by 11 inches).  
Type and double space the text, leaving large margins on the top, bottom and sides.  
When it is necessary to use a second sheet, put "-MORE-" centered at the bottom of the 
first page, and "-2-" or "page 2" at the top of the second page.  Also at the top of the 
second page, include a short identification line, such as "Narcotics Anonymous," or an 
abbreviated version of the heading used on page one.  This will help if the second page is 
accidentally mislaid or separated from the first page.  

5.  The top of the page should say "PRESS RELEASE" or "NEWS RELEASE."  It is a 
good idea to use a special style of stationery instead of regular letterhead paper.  The 
upper left hand corner of the page should give the appropriate address, including the 
name Narcotics Anonymous, and a phone number if there is one.  Also on the heading 
should be a release date which says "for immediate release," or, if you need more control 
over the timing of the release, gives a specific time for release, such as "for release June 
3, 1987" or "for release after 11:00 a.m., Wednesday June 3, 1987."  The heading should 
also include the date of the release.  Before the text of the news release, put a title line 
which describes the contents to follow.  The line looks like a headline, but it is provided 
for the news editor or reporter's information, and it may not be used in print.  

6.  A press release should be designed to be read in a very short period of time.  It should 
not contain advertising style attention getting statements.  Reporters can contact us for 
background information if they want to.  Then we may supply further information, such 
as a press kit.  Provide your release to the media in a timely fashion.  If you are informing 
the media about a community meeting to be held, be sure they get the release several 
days in advance.  


Narcotics Anonymous		-page #-
-more-
SAMPLE News release


From:		Narcotics Anonymous
		P.O. Box _____
		___________________

Contact:	(name), Public Information Committee
		(Telephone)

NUMBER of Narcotics anonymous groups in (name of town) TOPS
(number)

(PLACE OF RELEASE), (DATE OF RELEASE)--Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), a non-
profit group for drug addicts, announces that (number) N.A. groups are now meeting each 
week in (location).  In addition to those meetings, (number) special N.A.  meetings in 
area institutions are regularly held.  The number of N.A. groups worldwide surpassed 
twelve thousand (12,000) in February 1988.  

Narcotics Anonymous offers hope and help to drug addicts.  At N.A. meetings, addicts 
meet other people who have had similar experiences and problems who are now staying 
off drugs and learning a better way to live.  There is no fee for attendance at N.A. 
meetings.  

Founded in 1953, N.A. now exists throughout the United States and in over 40 other 
countries.  Narcotics Anonymous is for any drug addict, regardless of which drug or 
combination of drugs that person used.  N.A. literature emphasizes that when addicts 
substitute one drug for another, it just releases their addiction all over again.  By focusing 
on recovery from the common problem of drug addiction, N.A. provides an environment 
where addicts who may not have used the same drugs identify with and help each other.  

The only requirement for membership in N.A. is a desire to stop using drugs.  Open N.A. 
meetings may be attended by any interested members of the public.  Information about 
Narcotics Anonymous and local meeting schedules are available from 
______________________________.  
- 30 -