Write Your Own Public Service Announcement
February 25, 2023 2:12 PM Subscribe
I work in public broadcasting in Flyover Place, USA. I have the opportunity to record and air my own PSAs. I have recently made ones on Gun Control and Planned Parenthood.
PSAs cannot contain "calls to action" and generally need to be for nonprofit organizations or those deemed "in the public interest" (health care, etc)
Can you suggest other (lefty) organizations or topics I can make PSAs for? Bonus points for actual scripts or dialog examples.
Thanks!
PSAs cannot contain "calls to action" and generally need to be for nonprofit organizations or those deemed "in the public interest" (health care, etc)
Can you suggest other (lefty) organizations or topics I can make PSAs for? Bonus points for actual scripts or dialog examples.
Thanks!
Availability of VITA free tax prep services? You’d have to figure out who provides them in your area (United Way might be a place to start - they are involved in a lot of local VITA coalitions). Here’s a video from Tucson.
posted by yarrow at 2:51 PM on February 25, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by yarrow at 2:51 PM on February 25, 2023 [4 favorites]
Seconding the local library, but adding anti-censorship and pro-drag-storytime to the list of things to talk about. Ask people to join the library board or the Friends group.
posted by humbug at 2:54 PM on February 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by humbug at 2:54 PM on February 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
PFLAG
Your local suicide prevention hotline
posted by Toddles at 3:01 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Your local suicide prevention hotline
posted by Toddles at 3:01 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Rule #1 is to think about the audience. "Flyover place" says one thing, "NPR audience" says another.
One mistake I see made over and over again is communicating messages about caring more, to audiences who already care. What they need to know about is a) understanding _how_ to be more effective, by understanding the other side of an issue more empathetically, and b) which causes they could have the greatest impact on, that will also be first steps to doing things better.
I would look around your area and see if there are local efforts that would benefit from a little publicity.
Too often, NPR stories and coverage are about national and international events or efforts, but people can have the most impact if they know more about the people who are near them who need help, and even more if they know there are actual humans -- their _neighbors_ -- who are actively working to provide that help.
If you could motivate one or two people to actually connect to some local effort, they can become encouraged and energized _by_ that connection to do even more.
I'd look for:
- Mediation events
- Whatever local churches and/or Secular Humanist Societies are doing (ditto Zen centers, etc.) that will bring different kinds of people together
- Any kind of collaborative local arts movement that is pulling in the community for contributions
- Some kind of local political meeting-of-the-minds event, like a charette, or a "so you might run for city council someday" workshop, or something like Chapel Hill/Carrboro NC's annual Community Dinner which encourages different kinds of people to sit at a cafeteria table together.
- Any kind of local volunteerism clearninghouse organization, where people could see a list opportunities and sign up for something. Not only is this helpful, but it's a good way for people to get the frick out of the house to address loneliness. The PSA will be potentially more effective if you can list a couple of specific opportunities.
- Does your community have free mediator training? That sounds awesome.
- Is there a local high school group that does stuff that never gets enough of an audience?
- Are there underutilized services, like battery recycling or composting? Or (Hi Aniola) a local bicycle collective (fixing bikes for free, often)?
- Is there a winter event that needs volunteers or planning right now?
How do you find these things? Maybe there's a journalist or two in your area who knows of some effort that could really use a bit of publicity, but you can always start by calling whichever government office seems most likely to help (we have an Arts Commission that does grants, plus the school board), or start with churches, or just ask your neighbors.
I am so excited for you! No pressure :)
posted by amtho at 3:05 PM on February 25, 2023 [7 favorites]
One mistake I see made over and over again is communicating messages about caring more, to audiences who already care. What they need to know about is a) understanding _how_ to be more effective, by understanding the other side of an issue more empathetically, and b) which causes they could have the greatest impact on, that will also be first steps to doing things better.
I would look around your area and see if there are local efforts that would benefit from a little publicity.
Too often, NPR stories and coverage are about national and international events or efforts, but people can have the most impact if they know more about the people who are near them who need help, and even more if they know there are actual humans -- their _neighbors_ -- who are actively working to provide that help.
If you could motivate one or two people to actually connect to some local effort, they can become encouraged and energized _by_ that connection to do even more.
I'd look for:
- Mediation events
- Whatever local churches and/or Secular Humanist Societies are doing (ditto Zen centers, etc.) that will bring different kinds of people together
- Any kind of collaborative local arts movement that is pulling in the community for contributions
- Some kind of local political meeting-of-the-minds event, like a charette, or a "so you might run for city council someday" workshop, or something like Chapel Hill/Carrboro NC's annual Community Dinner which encourages different kinds of people to sit at a cafeteria table together.
- Any kind of local volunteerism clearninghouse organization, where people could see a list opportunities and sign up for something. Not only is this helpful, but it's a good way for people to get the frick out of the house to address loneliness. The PSA will be potentially more effective if you can list a couple of specific opportunities.
- Does your community have free mediator training? That sounds awesome.
- Is there a local high school group that does stuff that never gets enough of an audience?
- Are there underutilized services, like battery recycling or composting? Or (Hi Aniola) a local bicycle collective (fixing bikes for free, often)?
- Is there a winter event that needs volunteers or planning right now?
How do you find these things? Maybe there's a journalist or two in your area who knows of some effort that could really use a bit of publicity, but you can always start by calling whichever government office seems most likely to help (we have an Arts Commission that does grants, plus the school board), or start with churches, or just ask your neighbors.
I am so excited for you! No pressure :)
posted by amtho at 3:05 PM on February 25, 2023 [7 favorites]
- Where to find free tax preparation advice
- Food/diaper bank hours/locations
- Public transport user/rider union hours/locations
- Buy-nothing group info/websites
- How to get free and anonymous mpox and HPV vaccines
- Brake-light clinic info
posted by mdonley at 5:08 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
- Food/diaper bank hours/locations
- Public transport user/rider union hours/locations
- Buy-nothing group info/websites
- How to get free and anonymous mpox and HPV vaccines
- Brake-light clinic info
posted by mdonley at 5:08 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
IDK if you can promote government services, but in addition to VITA tax prep, there's the IRS Free File program, which provides a valuable service to anyone who makes less than $73,000 and takes money out of the pockets of the private tax prep companies at the same time. Win-win.
I am a long-time promoter of the community non-profits that act as Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) to help parents of children with disabilities navigate the special education process. They are minimally-funded lifelines for parents and families who are struggling to get a good education for their kids. There is at least one in every state. Here's a list of them all.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 5:28 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I am a long-time promoter of the community non-profits that act as Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) to help parents of children with disabilities navigate the special education process. They are minimally-funded lifelines for parents and families who are struggling to get a good education for their kids. There is at least one in every state. Here's a list of them all.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 5:28 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
When I've done community radio, usually the organisations would reach out to us to book a slot for a PSA. Does your place have an ad department?
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:32 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:32 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
Info about the latest COVID vaccine booster that is available, if it's free, and how you get access to the vaccine booster.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 6:24 PM on February 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 6:24 PM on February 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
- Why you should be aware of any local lowhead dams, and never swim near one (the drowning machine)
- Why swimming near boat docks/houseboats is not safe (electric shock drowning)
- Why you should never play breathholding games underwater, and should always have a lifeguard/coach closely watching swimmers doing rigorous training (shallow water blackout)
- Why you should avoid riding in the backseat of a jet ski, or wear a wetsuit while doing so (douche injuries), and why it's important to avoid high speeds and sudden turns on a jet ski (most jet ski fatalities are the result of blunt trauma)
- Why children should not ride along on a lawnmower
I know you specified lefty stuff, but the above are things I rarely see discussed that kill people every year, and that could do a real service.
I guess one that could be accused of having a lefty interest is the fact that having a gas stove is a major source of indoor air pollution, even when it's not in use. The best move is replacing the stove with induction or electric, of course, but there are ways to reduce the danger. Another one might be that huge, fashionable trucks are killing children and other short pedestrians, and should be treated with profound caution (and also shouldn't be owned or sold, but people/manufacturers/the feds are idiots, so)
posted by desert outpost at 6:28 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
- Why swimming near boat docks/houseboats is not safe (electric shock drowning)
- Why you should never play breathholding games underwater, and should always have a lifeguard/coach closely watching swimmers doing rigorous training (shallow water blackout)
- Why you should avoid riding in the backseat of a jet ski, or wear a wetsuit while doing so (douche injuries), and why it's important to avoid high speeds and sudden turns on a jet ski (most jet ski fatalities are the result of blunt trauma)
- Why children should not ride along on a lawnmower
I know you specified lefty stuff, but the above are things I rarely see discussed that kill people every year, and that could do a real service.
I guess one that could be accused of having a lefty interest is the fact that having a gas stove is a major source of indoor air pollution, even when it's not in use. The best move is replacing the stove with induction or electric, of course, but there are ways to reduce the danger. Another one might be that huge, fashionable trucks are killing children and other short pedestrians, and should be treated with profound caution (and also shouldn't be owned or sold, but people/manufacturers/the feds are idiots, so)
posted by desert outpost at 6:28 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
Organizations that are giving out Narcan in your area
What domestic violence / abuse is and who to contact for help
Reputable debt consolidation organizations (some credit repair companies can be shady, help people avoid them by promoting good orgs)
Food stamp (EBT) requirements in your area (income, assets, etc.)
posted by momus_window at 7:32 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
What domestic violence / abuse is and who to contact for help
Reputable debt consolidation organizations (some credit repair companies can be shady, help people avoid them by promoting good orgs)
Food stamp (EBT) requirements in your area (income, assets, etc.)
posted by momus_window at 7:32 PM on February 25, 2023 [2 favorites]
My underlying idea is “what are problems facing an average American household that sixty seconds of information could help solve?” Your actual audience may vary. If your local library has an information line or you have 211 / 311 service for community referrals, they would be good folks to ask.
posted by momus_window at 7:37 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by momus_window at 7:37 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
- Amnesty International
- Environmental Defense Fund
posted by aniola at 7:40 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
- Environmental Defense Fund
posted by aniola at 7:40 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
local indigenous historians
posted by aniola at 7:56 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by aniola at 7:56 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
"Hey, did you know? Having just one, single person who accepts and loves an LGBTQ person for who they are can keep them from dying of suicide. It can be anyone-- maybe it's you. Find out more at (local org.)"
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:05 PM on February 25, 2023
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:05 PM on February 25, 2023
Highlight people in the community who are doing good things in your community to foster kindness and draw attention to projects in the local area. Like community shout-outs. You could even put up a voicemail to get tips and potentially use that audio.
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:18 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:18 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Find whoever teaches your local indigenous (or other common languages-- pick your favorite) and make a bunch of spots that teach a word or phrase. It drives cultural understanding, it's interesting, and probably drives some traffic to the language teachers. Or, something interesting and scientific or historical about your local area that isn't well-known with a plug for local museums or bird watchers or whatever.
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:24 PM on February 25, 2023
posted by blnkfrnk at 8:24 PM on February 25, 2023
We're still in a pandemic and masking (especially indoors and in crowded situations) still saves lives. A lot of people don't understand that or why it's important.
For an example of effectiveness, I heard recently about a study where they looked at a classroom (classrooms?) and a 10% increase in N95 masking meant a 45% reduction in spread. Loads more where that came from, I'm sure. For an example of importance, you could talk about long covid and other people who are still impacted.
posted by aniola at 8:29 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
For an example of effectiveness, I heard recently about a study where they looked at a classroom (classrooms?) and a 10% increase in N95 masking meant a 45% reduction in spread. Loads more where that came from, I'm sure. For an example of importance, you could talk about long covid and other people who are still impacted.
posted by aniola at 8:29 PM on February 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Info on local harm reduction resources for people who use drugs, if these are available in your area.
The phone number for the never use alone overdose prevention hotline.
Info on how to order free narcan online through next distro.
posted by I am a Sock, I am an Island at 1:31 AM on February 26, 2023
The phone number for the never use alone overdose prevention hotline.
Info on how to order free narcan online through next distro.
posted by I am a Sock, I am an Island at 1:31 AM on February 26, 2023
If it were me, I'd be sorely tempted to discuss one cognitive bias, plus the evidence for it, per PSA (per week? 2x/week?)
posted by amtho at 12:04 PM on February 26, 2023
posted by amtho at 12:04 PM on February 26, 2023
You could do them on a regular basis for your local animal shelter, creating fun PSAs that highlight a specific adoptable animal's interesting personality, e.g., "The Flyover SPCA has multiple pets for adoption now, including Buster: chasing squirrels and howling to classical music since 2021." or "including Groucho, with over 5 years experience ignoring children and looking askance at owners."
posted by mulcahy at 12:21 PM on February 26, 2023
posted by mulcahy at 12:21 PM on February 26, 2023
How to use they/them pronouns
What does non-binary mean
posted by blueberry monster at 10:38 AM on March 3, 2023
What does non-binary mean
posted by blueberry monster at 10:38 AM on March 3, 2023
« Older Can my house's WiFi situation be fixed? | Traveling TOMORROW from Iceland with lava rock... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
- League of American Bicyclists
- Electronic Freedom Foundation
- Something on distracted driving (more dangerous than drunk driving)
- information literacy 101
- Your local library (hours, resources)
- SeedSavers
- Open Source Seed Initiative
- yay diversity
posted by aniola at 2:36 PM on February 25, 2023 [5 favorites]