Section Seven: Publicity and Advertising

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Introduction

SEDS-USA chapters should use the excitement of their subject of interest - space - in a positive and respectful manner in promoting and developing their campus image. Good advertising is essential for a strong chapter; your ads should be placed in bu sy areas. Always include the place, date and time for any event notices. If you include a telephone number, make sure there is a person or answering machine there to take any calls. There are some ideas below that will help you get started:

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Ideas for Publicity and Advertising

• Asking artistic members to design poster announcements will give you that "professional" look and gives a favorable first impression. Plaster posters on all buildings on your campus, especially buildings where students socialize most often. Also, ba nners are very effective and serve as very large posters. Always check with student activities to see where it is appropriate to hang posters or banners. Posters also benefit from an added picture or graphic like the Space Shuttle or Saturn - something t o catch the eye of the passerby. The use of large lettering describing what the event is about in exciting terms. (for example: "Interested in Space? Help launch our SEDS chapter!")

• A SEDS "start up" announcement article in the campus newspaper with the names and phone numbers of contact people for those interested in becoming involved will raise the groups visibility. Subsequent periodical articles on space-related topics will k eep the visibility going and will attract new students.

• Use any other campus media (radio, TV, magazines, events calendars, etc.) aggressively. See if you can get advertising donated or set up radio or TV programs. You can also set up a bulletin board near the student union or other heavily trafficked ar eas showing upcoming events.

• Advertise on Electronic Bulletin Boards (or BBSs) or electronic newsgroups. Be sure to follow netiquette when posting ads or events notices. Make sure newsgroups are local to your area before posting to them.

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More Ideas

As before with the programs and activities section, we suggest that you develop within your own group new ideas that maybe your group can better accomplish. When you do, SEDS-USA would like to know what your group is doing so other chapters can try t heir hand at it.