Note from
   Dorothy
Resource Guide
Broadcasts
Promotional
   Materials
Organizational
   Resources
Discussion
   Guide
Bibliography

  WHAT YOU CAN DO (cont'd.)

B. Community/organizational screenings, events, home viewings

  • PRE-BROADCAST SCREENINGS

    • If broadcasts are scheduled, your group might host a pre-broadcast screening with VHS tapes to bring attention to and to promote the broadcasts. You can invite reporters, local elected officials, representatives from the community and from other organizations, your organization's staff and volunteers, your funders, your Board and perhaps activists on your alert networks. 
  • VIEWING PARTIES with discussions on the night of the broadcast If broadcasts are scheduled, consider scheduling one or more events held in conjunction with the broadcasts.  At these events, people who gather to watch the documentaries can discuss their reactions and ideas, and then you might offer informational materials before they leave. 
  • COMMUNITY SCREENINGS not in conjunction with a broadcast  If broadcasts are not scheduled, consider holding an event for your group or for the community at which one or more of the films are shown on videotape with a TV monitor, followed by discussion. 
Use the Discussion Guide to create an open dialogue following any screening. Consider inviting one or more reporters to this event. If they accept, it is important that those invited to the screening are aware that the press will be present.  For more information, see the MEDIA ADVISORY and tips on working with the press. 

Community screenings and home viewings are an opportunity to encourage attendees to become more active.  For example, following a screening in someone's home, you might ask who would like to: 

  • Organize and host a house party and show one or more of the films for a small group of their family, friends, neighbors and work colleagues. 
  • Take home resource information about local and national groups, reading material and other activities. 
  • Write letters of support about the importance of keeping abortion safe and legal to local community organizations, possibly discussing the Trilogy. 
  • Write a letter to the editor of the local paper about the issue.  (See SAMPLE LETTER.) 
SUMMARY - REACHING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
All of these screenings, whether broadcast on television, or for a group gathered around a VCR and TV, present an outstanding opportunity to raise awareness, bring people together, and extend your organization's reach in your community.  The videos can also be a catalyst for drawing together different organizations and community members, including local clergy, medical personnel, support staff and clients of clinics, social services workers in the community, senior citizens, high school and college faculty and students, and local government officials. 
   

 
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