Have you ever been involved with something at your school that you think deserves more credit? Being involved with Greek life I have encountered a lot of great causes that don't seem to be recognized by anyone besides the Greek community. We all have our philanthropies and we are incredibly proud of the work that we do for them, but how come we don't have families from around the community coming out, donating money and watching us dance, sing, play sports, etc.?

As a kid I honestly would not have minded if my parents dragged me out to some event to watch cool older kids sing and dance. I would probably aspire to be one of those girls one day, I mean look at me now.

So, for every philanthropy director out there that is passionate about raising money for xyz organization, or for those sisters and brothers out there that are so inclined, let me introduce you to the amazing world of news releases.

I know, I know, some of you already know what that is, but to be honest, I am a consumer of the news. I actually watch the morning news and read the newspaper and it is rare that you see a publicized Greek philanthropy event that gets some real attention from the community that surrounds your campus (I know, right? People actually choose to live near a college campus. Why? I will never understand.)

It is really pretty simple. Pick an angle that you think older people would love to read about. When you are 45, sitting in your breakfast nook reading the paper while your 15-year-old girl drones on and on about some crush she has on a stupid boy, what would you rather be thinking about? Write about that.

Look up news release templates on google and fill in the blanks. Where is you event, when, what is going on. The basic five W's and an H. It really isn't rocket science. Now talk to that older, sadder version of yourself. What do you want to hear? A love story? A story about saving kids? A funny story? How can you relate to the people that watch the news and read the paper? More importantly how do you convince them to come out and give money to your cause?

Every philanthropy is unique. Your cause is different and the history of you event is different. Find what makes yours truly special and exploit that while throwing in all the important details.

Next, you have to look up who you want to send this news release out to. This is honestly the hardest part of the process. What journalist would just love to research and write about this story? Think outside of TSM of TFM, though they are great ~news~ outlets, you are looking for a more diverse local audience. Look up their contact information, send them an email and maybe shoot them a phone call too. You have to let them know if you want them to send someone out to report on your event as it is happening or if you want them to put out some story about it to get people to come this year. Tell them you have some great news that they could write about and then sell them on your event like you have been to all the PNM's during recruitment, only way better.

Then you're done. Either they will love it and run with it or you will be overshadowed by better local news. Through your philanthropy means the world to you, a reporter may disagree. What matters is that if you tried. It is kind of like applying to jobs. If just one employer liked your resume you won. If just one person publishes a story about your event, you did it.