by David Givens,
American Anthropological Association

Anthropologists who want to help the discipline's press effort are cordially invited to use the following checklist, results of which are guaranteed:

1. Volunteer to become your department's Press Person.

You should enjoy writing, and be sympathetic with the press.

2. Go through your local newspapers and identify area science and features writers who cover "anthropology-relevent" topics.

Think broadly, in terms of medical, urban, ethnic, educational or language issues, and so on.

• A Rolodex card with your contact information. "File under 'A' for Anthropology." Include your home phone number.

• A list of your department's specialists, cross-indexed by faculty. Use the department's AAA Guide listings, or expand on them.

• A brief letter inviting reporters and editors to use your department as a resource for anthropological, biological, archeological, social and behavioral science information.
  

  (Once started, you will get calls asking for help with anthropological angles and slants on editorial assignments that are not prima facie anthropological.)

4. Follow up in two weeks with a call; reiterate the offer to liase.

Offer to refer requests you cannot answer to Susan Skomal, AAA Press Officer.
(703) 528-1902, ex.3005).

5. Begin monthly mailings to your press contacts.

Keep them informed on new and ongoing research, projects, lectures, local digs, and so on.
(Send 1-2 page press releases or published research; have reporters contact the researcher directly for best results.)

6. Stay in regular touch,

once every 1-2 months; more when things are happening.

7. Please be accessible and prompt.

Journalists are on savage deadlines.

8.We have found journalists to be almost pathalogically conscientious.

They always appreciate help with story lines, and with breaking jargon into ordinary prose. Because some professors have difficulty speaking in everyday language, you may have to be the "translator".

-Remember: members of the working press are always on the lookout for story ideas and feature angles. They will appreciate your interest and input.