Influence

It is vitally important that the public initiate and inform a debate around how we as citizens can best be engaged and so help reverse the rise in violent street crime.  If we continue to walk on by, how can the system get better?  So whether it’s a press report on a senseless murder or attack, think about responding.  And when there’s a sensible proposal from government or comment in the press, welcome it.  Equally where a new policy has unintended consequences (e.g. it may simply create more bureaucracy, build up fear or entrench vested interests), point it out.  Feel free to use the material on this website.  Be amazed as you start to make a difference.   For a list of UK media contacts visit: www.mediauk.com and www.journalisted.com.

Write: One of the easiest ways to get your views into the public arena is to look out for stories on violent crime in newspapers (local and national) and magazines and respond in the letters pages.  Keep letters concise and relate them to the story that the paper has run.  Not every letter will get printed but if a number of letters are received on an issue it’s more likely one will be printed.  Read the letters pages and use the kind of letters that are getting published as your guide.  The earlier you respond the more likely you are to catch the eye of the letters editor.  For daily newspapers try and get your response off before lunch to maximise your chances of making the next day’s edition.  All newspapers accept letters by email making the process much quicker and easier if you have internet access.  Email letters will always require full contact details, and some papers will ask for a phone number as well.
Phone in to radio shows, both local and national.  They are always keen to liven up the debate, and are interested in informed views and real life stories about violent crime, the walk-on-by society and public disengagement.  You will have a good chance of getting on air if you make your point clearly to the producers who field the phone in calls and having some facts – from this website or elsewhere- will also help.

Brief the media on any actions, events or developing issues your group are involved in.  Think about whether there is possible media interest in some community initiative you are taking.  If you are not sure you can always call up your local newspaper, TV or radio stations and ask.  Just ask for the news desk or forward planning.  When you do, try and establish personal contacts in your local media for future use.

Remember that journalists are usually busy so the easier you make it for them the more likely you are to secure coverage.  So try to have all the information they need (such as facts and quotes) on hand and in a presentable form.  Keep it brief and to the point.

For more guidance, see WhatYouCanDo - from which the above comments have been plagiarised.