OUTREACH NEWSLETTER |
|
Outreach Newsletter: September 2003 "Alzheimer's
is more painful than many people can even imagine, but it is also perhaps
the most poignant of all reminders of why and how human life is so extraordinary."
- David Shenk, author, The Forgetting.
Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic 1. WELCOME While all of you have been working so hard on your outreach plans, I have been working on the documentary and pre-production for the national follow up show. "The Forgetting" is almost done and internal reviews are trickling in. "Moving," "Remarkable," and "Life-Affirming," are some of the adjectives people have used. Needless to say, we are very excited about the response and even more excited that the show will be completed soon. The follow up show will be shot in late October and I am happy to announce that our expert panel will include Dr. Steven DeKosky, director of the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Research Center, a spokesman for the Alzheimer's Association and a lead character in the documentary. Also joining us will be David Shenk, author of the book, "The Forgetting," and Lisa Gwyther, Director of Duke University's Family Support Program. I will keep you posted as we progress, and I look forward to hearing about your progress in the months ahead. You can view a Web version of this newsletter, download the Outreach Toolkit and see other information about "The Forgetting" at the outreach Web site: http://www.tpt.org/NPD/forgetting.
2. GET TO KNOW OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS "The Forgetting" programming and outreach activities will be a great tool to raise awareness of the growing incidence and effects of Alzheimer's disease. To extend this reach and enhance ongoing research, education and support efforts, we have developed partnerships with seven national organizations, including: *AARP, *Administration on Aging, *Alzheimer's Association, *Delta Society, *Faith In Action, *Last Acts (a recent addition) and the *National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center. Many of you are working with local chapters or offices of these national organizations. This newsletter will spotlight one of these partners each month to highlight the important services and resources each offers as well as special events you can support and promote locally. This month, we feature the Alzheimer's Association.
3. SPOTLIGHT
ON: ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION A world leader in Alzheimer's research and support, the Alzheimer's Association advances research, improves services and care, creates awareness of Alzheimer's disease and mobilizes support through its national network of advocates and chapters. Its Web site (http://www.alz.org/) provides extensive information and resources on Alzheimer's disease, including a diversity toolbox to help connect with underserved communities. Nearly 300 chapters and local points of service offer 24/7 telephone helpline services, peer- or professionally led support groups for caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer's, in-depth care consultation and community education. Find your local chapter at this site: http://www.alz.org/findchapter.asp The Association's Safe Return program is a nationwide identification registration program to assist in the safe and timely return of individuals who have wandered. In addition, the Association's conferences, activities and educational seminars provide your station opportunities to cosponsor and/or cross-promote "The Forgetting" programming and events. If you're not already involved with your local Alzheimer's Association chapter, consider tapping into two key events coming up in the next three months: -The Memory Walk is the Alzheimer's Association's national signature event to help those battling Alzheimer's disease. Memory Walks have raised more than $120 million since 1989 and are the largest national fundraising event for Alzheimer's disease. Memory Walks take place in over 450 communities nationwide in September and October. These events provide a great opportunity to build awareness of "The Forgetting" and any local programming or activities you have planned by staffing an information table, handing out flyers or sponsoring a station team. Find walks in your area here: http://www.alz.org/memorywalk/mw03search.asp -November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month when many Alzheimer's Association chapters sponsor events for families, caregivers and the public. This November marks the 20th anniversary of NADM, first proclaimed by Former President Ronald Reagan in 1983, to increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease. That historic event marked the beginning of a revolution in advocacy for, and greater awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Association chapters often sponsor educational events where your station could staff a booth, provide materials or serve as a cosponsor
We are pleased to announce a new addition to our roster of national partners. The "Last Acts" coalition consists of over 1000 consumer and professional organizations — including virtually all the professional associations in the health care field — which are working together to improve care at the end of life for the dying and provide better support for families. With their well-established communications channels to these key audiences, "Last Acts" will be a valuable promotional and communications partner. "Rallying Points," a major initiative of the "Last Acts" campaign, assists community-based coalitions in improving care and caring for those nearing the end of life. "Rallying Points" encourages coalitions to identify community needs for better care near the end of life, advocate for health system changes to bring about better care and develop specific projects that support dying people and their families. Stations can locate a coalition in their market by accessing http://www.rallyingpoints.org/directory/index.asp. "Last Acts" Web site: http://www.lastacts.org/
The nature of "The Forgetting" project gives stations a great opportunity to forge new funding relationships with people and organizations not normally associated with public broadcasting. Because the program breaks out of the children's programming/public affairs stereotype, stations should look beyond their traditional funding base as they plan outreach and promotional events, says TPT's Vice President of Philanthropic Funding, Mary Ann Dorsher. Some tips for local fundraising: -Start with who you know. Identify and approach current major donors who may have a specific interest in science, aging, health care or other topics covered in "The Forgetting". Make personal contact about the program and ask them to consider making additional gifts specifically related to your outreach efforts. -Share knowledge with local program partners. Alzheimer's Associations, AARP chapters and other partners may be able to link you with people and organizations in the area that have shown particular interest in supporting Alzheimer's-related activities. Not only a source of potential funding, use these links to aid and enhance your overall outreach efforts. -Reach new foundations. Search your local or statewide foundation databases for groups that may not usually support public television, but which have a particular interest in seniors, aging, mental health care or related areas. This is a great opportunity to introduce these potential funders to a side of public television they haven't thought of before. -Plan a donor event. In the days before "The Forgetting" airs, give your station's major donors a first look at the program and invite them to bring friends and colleagues who may be interested. Donors can receive a table at the event, personal recognition, thanks in an event program or priority seating based on their giving level. Such events give added value to donors' generous contributions and can open doors to new sources of support. -Seek sponsors for related programming. Build an on-air presence for Alzheimer's programs by scheduling related programs in the weeks before the broadcast (such as "Facing Alzheimer's: An African-American Perspective," "Secret Life of the Brain" and others). Package these programs together as a lead up to "The Forgetting" and seek corporate sponsorships for the package. Some logical sponsors could include area hospitals, health centers, life/health insurers, Realtors, senior services, colleges, universities, or scientific and research institutions.
6. NEW ON "THE FORGETTING" OUTREACH SITE The Outreach Web site now includes the program one-sheet, a ready-to-print summary of "The Forgetting" project perfect as a handout at outreach events. And for stations creating their own materials, variations of the program's official key image are now available to download and use. "The Forgetting" Outreach Web
site: http://www.tpt.org/NPD/forgetting/
7. COMING SOON: SNEAK PREVIEWS Beginning next month, each edition of this outreach e-newsletter will include a streaming video clip from "The Forgetting" to give you a sneak preview of this fascinating and informative documentary.
8. CONTACT
INFORMATION
9. SUBSCRIPTION
INFO…TELL A FRIEND!
Produced by Twin Cities Public Television. Funded by MetLife Foundation. Additional outreach funding by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. |