Coal Blooded Action Toolkit - Climate Access

Sample Press Release Template“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATEContact: Organization #1 Name, Phone #, E-mailHeadline: Coal Blooded: Putting Profits Before PeopleSub-head: (more info, no more than one line) something about your chapterAll paragraphs should be no more than 60 words in 1-2 sentences. Ex. Today the [Name of city] NAACPChapter and the community have taken action to hold accountable X coal plant from polluting ourcommunities.Paragraph #1: All the basic info including who, what, where, when, why, and how.Example: The NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program’s recent Coal Blooded reportconducted a study on the X coal plant. In this study it shows X number of people includingcommunities of color and low income neighborhoods bordering [coal plant name] coal plant, sufferfrom health problems such as chronic illnesses like asthma, rare cancers and higher rates oflearning disabilities. These communities and the community at large have long been exposed tounhealthy levels of emissions including heavy metals like mercury which have put them at risk. Thehealth risk and exposures we face are unacceptable and the community needs its voice to beheard.Paragraph #2: Context. Gives some more context, information about the campaign/meeting/eventExample: “The NAACP will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss the report’s findings and gainbetter insight of what the community sees fit in addressing the environmental justice issues weface. This event is part of the [Name of NAACP Chapter] NAACP Chapter’s effort to opendiscussion up in the community on the effects of coal pollution on their neighborhood. The Chapterand others in the community [insert other groups/partners assisting with the event] see this as ameans to better inform the community.Paragraph #3: Quote! This should be a quote by the organization leader explaining why thisissue/meeting/event/campaign is important to the community, why they care, etc. You want this quote tohelp make the story personal and relevant to your audience and explain the purpose of the event. Yourfirst quote should be no later than the 3rd paragraph.Example: The health of the community is being jeopardized when we do not hold coal plantsaccountable for their pollution. The people in [city/state] deserve to have protection from harmfulpollutants and breathe clean air. Too many people have suffered at the cost of their health.Paragraph #4: Background. This is your chance to give additional background info about your group, thecampaign and/or the environmental justice/coal issues in general. As we advocate for justice, it makes thisinitiative for Environmental and Climate Justice just as important.NAACP Coal Blooded Action Toolkit75 | P a g e