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County Organization ~ Manual

1999-2000

3601 North Pennsvlvania Street .I

Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

317-920-1994 / 800-388-1776 / 800-814-1776 / 317-924-2920 fax

www.lpin.orjr / Ipinhq@lpin.org
 TIlle I-<1il)el'Ull:-1itjl -P'3.rr\'T t \J/
elf Indiana

State Contact f&. List

Headquarters: Sara Cotham 3601 North Pennsylvania Street
Executive Director Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
317-920-1994 local
317-924-2920 fax
800-388-1776/800-814-1776
www.lpin.org
lpinhq@lpin.org

Chair: Joe Hauptmann 9325 Thornwood Dr.

Indianapolis 46250
317-578-0925
jah@indy.net

Vice Chair: Vacaat Wltif 1999 State Convention

Secretary: Mike Houze

Treasurer: Mike Runnebohm 2587 S. 250 E.

Shelbyville 46176
317-631-1955
galt84@indy.net

Membership Director: Phil Miller 233 E. North St.

Greenfield 46140
317-462-3354
phillip@iquest.net
 , an hone numbers
(onal LPheadquarters
Last Updated: September 19. 1998

Steve Dasbach - National Director

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext. 228
• E-MAIL: SteveDasbach@compuserve.com
• CONTACT HIM ABOUT: General LP strategy. goals. & office policies. National LP &
state LP relationships. Membership growth strategies.

Ron Crickenberger - Political Director

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext 227
• E-MAIL: RonCrickenberger@compuserve.com
• CONTACT HIM ABOUT: Campaigns. Candidate lists & support. Candidate recruitment.
Libertarians in Office list updates. Ballot access.

Bill Winter - Communications Director

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext 226
• E-MAIL: 73163.3063@Compuserve.com
• CONTACT HIM ABOUT: General media relations & strategy. Publications and outreach
material. LP News, The Libertarian Volunteer &. The Liberty Pledge News.

George Getz - Press Secretary

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext 222
• E-MAIL: 76214.3676@Compuserve.com
• CONTAcr HIM ABOUT: Specific press releases. Media appearances & contacts.

Nick Dunbar - Office Manager

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext 232
• E-MAIL: 110112.301@Compuserve.com
• CONTACT HIM ABOUT: LP database issues. Unified Membership. Monthly membership
& address correction updates. Specific membership information.

Daniel Smith - Affiliate Services Manager

• PHONE: (202) 333-0008 Ext 231
• E-MAIL: 104702.3320@Compuserve.com
• CONTAcr HIM ABOUT: General affiliate support & questions. BREsand Bulk Rate mail.
State & local officer list updates.
 T·····'
_ . h: ,e······
_ __ L'..b .·e'rtaria n Pa .rty' •.
_ 1'" . '"..- y.L.. ~ . _.J _ __'. .' -. ._.>'
·'.'i"
, of Indiana
360 J North Pennsylvania Street - Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
317-920-1994 - 800-388-1776 - fax 317-924-2920 -lpinhq@lpin.org -www.lpin.org

May 20,1999

Dear LPI County Chairs,

Greetings from Headquarters! I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy ...and ready to begin a
, fabulous election season!

Enclosed in this packet are materials to help you accomplish two separate but related tasks:

L Candidate Recruitment and Support

a. Step-by-step candidate recruitment
b. County and candidate deadlines
c. Timeline for activities
d. Candidate election forms

2. County Affiliation with the LPI

a, Sample bylaws
b. State bylaws
c. Sample meeting agenda
d. Form to send to HQ after your county convention
e. County form to file with election board

Candidate Recruitment and Support:

If the LPI recruits over 100 candidates this year, it will be the most our state has EVER run and
will be more candidates than the entire Libertarian Party ran nationwide just a few years ago. We -
will be the envy of the nation if we can reach this goal.

Marion County used the enclosed technique this year, opening a Candidate Recruitment Committee
in March and fielding 23 candidates by the end of April. That's more than the Democrats ran in
the Primary Election this May! Many counties are already planning conventions at which to
nominate candidates, elect county officers, and conduct official business. Delaware, Monroe, Lake,
Hancock, Allen, and Vanderburgh Counties are just a few that have already begun recruiting
candidates. We began electing Libertarians to public office in Indiana last year, and we're well on
.- our way to electing Town and City Council members and city mayors in 1999.
 If you have questions about recruiting candidates or campaigning, please call me at 800-388-1776
or email me at lpinhq@1pin.org. Joe Hauptmann, State Chair; Mike Backlund, State Vice Chair;
~ and I would all love to attend your county convention, so please let me know the date, time, and
location as soon as it is planned. Once you have officially nominated candidates at convention and
filed the proper paperwork the following week, please send the names, addresses, telephone
numbers, email addresses, and offices sought of all candidates in your county to me. Reporters
often don't know how to get a hold of a county party or individual candidate and will call the state
headquarters for that information.

County Affiliation with the LPI:

In state convention May 1, 1999, the delegates unanimously passed new bylaws calling for the
formal affiliation between the state and county parties. This helps us ensure that Libertarian ballot
access will remain Libertarian, gives county affiliates an incentive toward progress and a "claim" on
. the services of the state party, and holds the state party accountable to support the counties that
have affiliated with them.

Because it is a new process, the Central Committee and I will be helping county chairs and activists
take the correct steps toward formal affiliation. Those steps are rather simple, and many counties
have already begun to complete them:
L Develop county bylaws that contain the information required in Article IV of the LPI
Bylaws. (Sample enclosed.)
2. Elect county officers and pass the county bylaws in a-publicized county convention.
3. File a CFA-3 with your county election board. (CFA-3 enclosed.)
4. File your bylaws, a receipt for the CFA-3, and the enclosed affiliation form with the state
Central Committee. (Form enclosed)
Again, if you have questions, please contact me at headquarters. The Central Committee would
like to receive affiliation forms from all currently organized counties by August 2, which is also the
last date to submit candidates for inclusion in the November election.

Remember, the more we learn, the more confident we become.

The more confident we become, the more active we are.
The more active we are, the more people we influence.
The .more people we influence, the more members, donations, and votes we receive.
And the more members, donations, and votes we receive, the more Liberty we have at home and
across Indiana.
 Recruiting candidates in a few easy steps
~ 1. Form a Candidate Recruitment Committee. The committee should consist of 3-4 hard
workers who will dive right into the task of finding people who are willing to run for office on
the Libertarian ticket. They should meet weekly at a regular time and place and report to the
County Chair.

2. Get Organized. Ask Phil Miller, LPI Membership Director, for a list of members, past
members, and prospects for your county. (phillip@iquest.net,317-462-3354) Using the county
voter registration list that the county chair can obtain from the county Voter Registration
office--or by fmding members' districts online or through any other means--divide your
member/ past member/prospect list by voting district and assign Candidate Committee
members particular lists. (In 1999, the only districts that matter are City or Town CounciL
However, if you are going to do the work anyway, YQU may as well identify State Legislature
districts.)

3. Set Goals. You have only a limited time to contact potential candidates, so be sure to step on
the gas! A sample goal schedule might look like this:
Week 1: Call through half of the lists.
Week 2: Call through second hal£
Week 3: Compile final list of all potential candidates. Hold county convention.
(The last day to nominate candidates is Aug.-2, so your convention must be well before that
date in order for candidates to have time to fill out and deliver the CFA-l forms.)

4. Ask people to run for office. Here are some truths about recruiting candidates:
* People are flattered to be asked.
'** People want to help the party, and this is one of the best ways they can do so for free.
People can run as a "line" or "paper" candidate in order to help the LPI retain viability
by having many, many names on the ballot. All these candidates have to do is file the
proper forms on time and occasionally answer questions from the newspaper or civic
groups, but it would be nice if they could also attend outreach events or donate to
active candidates' campaign funds.
* People can run as active candidates, raising money, sending press releases, ordering
stickers and yard signs, and appearing in an official capacity at events. They also have
to file paperwork.
* People do not have to be members of the LP to run for office. Of course, it would be
great if they were asked to join because we need members and it would probably make
sense. Co-workers, friends, and family members make great candidates.
*: People who run should, however, be able to adequately represent the principles of the
Libertarian Party.

Before committing candidates to paper, find out some basic information about them that
may be good to know in a campaign season. In a way that you can comfortably and tactfully
do so, ask them, "Because you will berepresenting the Libertarian Party in a public fashion
through November, is there anything happening in your life that you'd be embarrassed to
 read about in the newspaper?" Believe it or not, even paper candidates will be watched, and
pending lawsuits or criminal cases make good headlines for reporters. If this person has had
a criminal conviction, that's also a useful thing to know. We are really trying to avoid seeing
''Libertarian Fields Felon For City Council" in the headlines. (A felony conviction
automatically disqualifies candidates for Indiana offices.) In this packet is a questionnaire
that each candidate should complete before August 2. The county party or candidate's
campaign manager should keep a copy and LPI headquarters should be sent a copy. In the
event a problem like this does arise, please call headquarters immediately.

5. Call your lists. The best times to call people at home are between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on
weekdays, Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays between noon and 9 p.m. Always
be friendly and respectful, so please do not call early in the morning or late at night. If the
person for whom you are calling is not at home or is busy when you call, ask for a good time to
call back. If you reach voice mail or a machine, leave contact information but indicate that you
will call back another time. Below is a sample script-to use when you reach the member, past
member, or prospective member on the phone:

Caller: Good evening. May I speak to Jane Doe please?

Jane: This is she.
Caller: Hi, Jane. This is (Your Name) calling from the Libertarian Party of (Your
County). I wanted to talk with you about our candidate recruitment efforts.

.- Jane:
_ Do you have just a couple of minutes?
Sure.
Caller: Great. As you know, the Libertarian Party needs to run candidates each year
so people in our county have a chance to vote for someone who will actually
make a difference in local government. We already have several people who
have committed to running for (Your City) Council this year but still need
(number of remaining seats) people to put their names on the ballot.
Candidates can run an active a campaign as they want, there is no cost, and
the county party will be there every step of the way to help. Would you be able
to add your name to the list of candidates for (Your City) Council?
***At this point, don't scryatryihing. Give Jane a moment to think becauseshe willprobablY have
questions.
Jane: Hmmmm ....I don't know. It sounds like a big responsibility. What do I have to do?
Caller: You can be as active as you want. So, if you just want to put your name on the
ballot, that would be great. If you decide you want to make yard signs and go
to meetings around the city, that would be even better. The only thing you
would have to do as a candidate is fill out a couple of forms that we will help
you with.
Jane: That doesn't sound too bad. Sure, I'll help.
Caller: Thank you, Jane! Having your name on the ballot will really make an impact
in the community. I will call you back next week to talk to you about the
fOnTIS and about the county convention we are planning. We'll be nominating
candidates then, so I hope you can come. Thank you again for running.
 ***If Jane says she isn't interested or can't run for office but seems like she is still willing to
help in some way, ask if she could think about a co-worker, friend, or family member who
might run. Or ask if she can volunteer to help other candidates' campaign efforts. If she
sounds completely disinterested, just thank her for her time and move on to the next call.

6. Compile your candidate list. Once every list has been called through---or once you have
filled every office on November's ballot--compile a list of candidates (called a "slate") to
present at the County Convention. You will also need to put together packets to mail to
candidates or give them at the convention. (Include copies of all forms and their deadlines. You
might also list some campaign ideas to spark their interest.) Be sure to call candidates before
the convention and invite them to attend so they can vote for themselves!
 1999 LPI County and Candidate Tirneline

County Action Candidate Action

June '* Candidate Recruitment Committee is formed and
begins recruiting candidates (line and active) for ** Existing cartdidates begin funch:aising (if active).
Fi.nd volunteers.

'*'*
local offices.
Publicize town/ ci.ty convention.
Recruit county officers to be elected at convention.
** Attend all county functions (see column at left).
Plan campaign strategies.

'* Set up OPH booths at county fairs, church festivals,

bierstubes, etc.
July '* July 18: LPI picnic at Jimmerson Lake, Angola, IN.
Contact Ken Bisson at 219-833-6700. * By noon 10 days after convention: CFA-1 due to
county election board.

'* Hold county convention if it didn't occur in June.

** Continue campaigning at summer festivals with county.
LPI Candidate Training Seminars to be held across the
* By noon 10 days after convention: CFA-3, CAN-18
and/ or CAN-22 due to county election board .. state. Dates and places TBA.

'* New officers work to comply with state affiliation.

Continue summer festival outreach with candidates.
August *'* Aug. 2: Last day to file CAN-18 and/or CAN-22 Aug. 2: Last day to file CF A-1.
and desired date for Central Committee's receipt of * Continue campaigning at summer festivals with county.
LPI affiliation packet.
Continue summer festival outreach with candidates.
*
September ** Continue summer festival outreach with candidates. Continue campaigning at summer festivals with county.

'* *
October Recruit pollwatchers and people to pass out
literature in front of polls. ** Noon on Oct. 15: CFAA due.
Noon on Oct. 29: CFA-ll due.

* Help candidates organize a unified GOTV effort.

* - Organize GOTV effort (lit drops, yard signs) with other
candidates,

'*'*
November Nov. 1: Put yard signs at polls. Nov. 1: Put yard signs at polls.
*
Nov. 2: Vote!
I

* Nov. 2: Votel Candidates should travel the polls and

meet voters.
January 2000 '* Reorganize Candidate Committee
recruiting for 2000 races.
and begin
"* Noon on jan D: CFA-4 due. Mark as "f111a1" in order
to close campaign committees.

Please be advised! Indiana election law is constantly changing, and we are doing our very best to keep everyone informed. However, the LPI cannot be' held
responsible for candidate or county filings. Check-with your local election board and/or county clerk for deadlines and paperwork specific to your county. Should a
problem or concern arise, please call Sara Cotham at 800-388-1776 to put you in touch with LPI General Counsel, Robbin Stewart.

( ( (
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Resource I.List
Over the past several years, the LPIN has developed several resources to help
communicate with its members. Utilize these tools-and others at the national level that
are also listed-to your advantage.

ELECTRONIC
It is a wise idea for a county chair or.activist to get an email address. The LPIN
communicates heavily through email messages because they are practically immediate,
virtually free, and incredibly convenient. If you have access to a local library or friend with
email, or if your child has a computer with a modem and is already online, you can get an
email address for free. For details and technical assistance, call LPIN Headquarters.
When County Chairs and activists set up or change email accounts, the LPIN asks that we
be notified of your new address so we can add you to our electronic mailing lists.

For those already online, below are some sites that can be of help to you and others.

,,'."\\'\v.1pin.org The LPIN web site features a calendar to which you can easily add
events, county contacts across the state, candidate information, and links
to sites of interest to Libertarians.

\n,,,\v.onelisr.org Visit this site and register to receive updates from lp-in, the LPIN
listserve. Once registered, you will receive email messages when people
post to the list, and you will be able to post your thoughts, as well. It is
primarily for strategy and activism, not platform or issue discussion.
County organizing and candidate recruitment are two ways the list has
been effectively utilized.

LPIN Online Our electronic newsletter is published biweekly or as warranted by

breaking news. County chairs are urged to submit meeting and event
information. To subscribe, contact LPIN Secretary Mike Houze at
thunderbird@kconline.com.
 w"\vw.lp.org The national LP web site includes current events, projects, and news, as
well as the LP platform, membership information, and a wealth of print,
audio, and video archives.

PRINT
We still utilize the United States Postal Service and are working on the development of a
regular schedule of mailings to current, lapsed, and prospective members. Direct-mail
fundraising appeals are sent out independent of the LPIN's regular publications.

Indiana Libertarian News Our state newsletter is published bimonthly as a means to

update members and friends on successful county and state
events, individual accomplishments, Indiana news that
directly affects our mission, and upcoming meetings and
workshops. The newsletter is primarily used as an
informational tool, not a means to raise funds, so its
publication may occasionally be preempted by a fundraising
mailing. County chairs should contact the Executive
Director with updates on a regular basis, since local
activities and announcements are the lifeblood of the
publication.

Progress Report In months not covered by the newsletter publication, this

--- letter is mailed to members. While the newsletter focuses on
current events and county news, the Progress Report details
the goals and projects of the state Central Committee and
Headquarters staff. It also serves as a vehicle for
fundraising since many of the funded projects are outlined
in the Progress Report.

COUNTY RESOURCES
A few county affiliates publish their own newsletters; however, because personal
interaction is always best, this means of communicating may only be effective when a large
mailing list is used. For example, Marion County publishes a monthly newsletter, and the
Northeast section of Indiana combines many counties for its own successful publication.

Some counties also send out a local version of the Progress Report from time to time. This
is can be effective when mobilizing for a particular event or soliciting donations.

NATIONAL ELECTRONIC DISCUSSION LISTS (LISTSERVES)

If online, you may benefit from participating in-or merely "listening to"-libertarian
discussions online. Here are a few lists you may wish to try out.

The "official" listserve of the LP, the LPUS is actually a

variety of lists targeted to appeal to the varied needs of
Libertarian members and activists. Call or email HQ or
 ernailJoe Dehn at this address to find out which lists are
right for you. This is an interactive national list, so be
prepared to .receive a lot of messages.

Libertarian-,\ctiyist@Jist.ryrell.com Lots of lively discussion about all things Libertarian. Also

a very high voiume list.

\\'w\\',fff.org: The Future of Freedom Foundation provides Libertarian

commentary on a variety of issues.

\':ww.Harn-RrO\\·nc)O()O,org- Visit Harry Browne's site and register to receive updates

from his Presidential Exploratory Committee.

\\'w\y,trcc-markct.ncr.lfeaturcsilistsi LibertyNow provides a daily news update with a

Libertarian focus.

\\'\\'\\',cCf).on! CERJ is sponsored by a Libertarian Quaker. Ids focused

on the promotion of justice and harmony through
Libertarian means.

\\~\\..\\ ~.rc~l ~()11.C()ill. Log on and sign up for ReasonExpress, a weekly update on
Libertarian news and views, sponsored by the popular
magazine Reason.
 ·

I •... ':"'.
.:», -'

Organizations of interest to Libertarians

Advocates (01' Future of Freedom
Self-Government Foundation
1202 N. Tennessee Street, Suite #202 11350 Rmdom Hills Road. Suite 800
Cartersville GA 30120 Fairfax VA 11030
800-932-1776 ra. 703-934-6101
Educational institute. Organizes local chapters: offers Fax: 703-351-8678
conferences and programs e!lCOUIagi.ngpeople to Emili: 7SlOO.1513@compuserve.com
encounter. evaluate and embrace the ideas oflibeny and Founded in 1989. FFF advances an uncompromising moral.
improve communications: publishes Licuator newsletter. philosophical. and economic case for libertarianism. It
publishes Frcdom Daily (S 18 for 12 monthly issues) and has
Cato Institute published four books on libertarian issues.
1000 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington. DC 10001 Laissez Faire Books
202-8+7.-0200 938 Howard Street, Suite 202
Public policy research foundation; publishes Cato]oumal. Sm Francisco. CA 94103
books. monographs and policy analysis material: conducts 800-326-0996
seminars, conferences and symposia. Widest available selection of libertarian, history.
philosophy. economic and Randim books. tapes.
Foundation for videotapes; publishes informative monthly book catalog
with book reviews.
Economic Education
30 S. Broadway
Irvington-On-Hudson. ~-y 10533 Liberty iHagazine .:..
914-59\-77.30 r.o. Box 1167··-·!.:.
-'.--: '
Non-political. educational champion of private property. Port Townsend: WA 98368 _
the free market and limited government. Publishes The Bimonthly review of libertarian ~d classical liberal
Fr=an magazine. thought. culture and politics; contributors include major
libertarian movement figures.
Institute (01'
Uumane Studies Liberty Tree Network
134 Ninery-Eighth Avenue
408+ University Drive. Suite 101
Oakland. CA 94-603
Pairfax. VA 22030-6812
800-927 -8 733
703-934-6920
Educational institute. Searches for moral uguments and Mail order purveyor of products for life. liberty and
schclarship which support the free society: discovers. prosperity: books. audio and video tapes. games. gifts and
collectibles. Free catalog available.
encourages and supports scholars in the social sciences.

Intcrnational Socicty Reason Magazine

for Indh1dual Liberty & Reason Foundation
1SOOMarket Street HIS South Sepulveda Blvd .• Suite -+00
Los Angeles. CA 90034-
San Francisco, CA 94102
310-391-2H5
415-86+-0952
Promotes international exchange of infonm.tion and ideas Educational foundanon. Educates public on principles of
on competitive economic systems with internal free society; publishes ~=n maguine; publishes policy
studies. op-ed ",",icies arrd cUily economic education and
conferences; promotes campus libertarian organiz"tions;
radio program.
publishes Freedom NerwerkNtwS and position papers.
 lti-Point Check Listfor Successful LP state parties
A successful Libertarian Party ...

I Maintains an accurate, up-to-date database of members and prospects.

2 Sends out a prompt, professional information package to interested
prospects, and sends out timely membership renewal notices to current
members.
3 Engages in ongoing, constant prospecting to increase the size of the
organization.
4 Publishes a regular, decent-quality newsletter to keep members and
prospects informed. Uses newsletter to publicize activities and success.
5 Has a bank account, a Treasurer, and an ongoing, implemented plan to
raise money. .-
6 Runs candidates for political office. Monitors elections (or regist~atiQ6/"-.
numbers) which effect ballot status. -.,,', --- --,-
7 Is active in the political system - whether through elections,
referendums, lobbying, or whatever.
8 Has regular, publicized, productive, interesting public meetings. Has
&
regular meetings of parry leadership to plan strategy & projects.
9 Has an organized media outreach plan- which can include press
releases, press conferences, and personal contacts - to promote the
party and earn publicity.
10 Has leadership dedicated to growth, success, & professionalism - and
determined to avoid factionalism, arguments, and obstructionism. Party
leadership has a solid, realistic vision for success.
 .,.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8BP'rBMBBll 1, 1998 ';

Libertarian Pa
o Tax Day "Million
Dollar Bills." Green
ink. Front side: A faux
$1,000,000 Federal Res-
erve note. The other side
explains that the Federal
government spends $1

MAIgRIAI£¥k~J;?AI;g
million every five seconds
- and only the LP is
trying to change that.
Cost: Sample: 50<1

-.---~ or $S per 100

our goal: To introduce more people

Y
-
to the Libertarian Party. To make National Program
sure voters know that the Libertarian
~ -ClI"I_ National Platform
, ,~~_ LmlJUARJ;-\i'l
Party is America's third party. To show ,~.;;;,~,\pi\RTI
~.-' ' "-'''"'~'' lLmri{~~Utl
your neighbors and friends that we are jp.-\R'JIY
serious, respectable, and have answers to __ " ~ ~m •• ~ ~ <¥(H<," ,< ••

the political issues that concern them most. II pnt1lil1i

Your tools: A wide variety of Libertar-
ian brochures, flyers, bumperstickers,
booklets, and books for sale from the
National LP office. They're written and
o Special Report: An
o LP Program. 4 pages,
o 1996 Libertarian
.esigned by professionals - and will be maroon ink. Details LP
Inside Look at the Lib- Party Platform. 24
J our "secret weapon" to turn voters into positions on education,
o Is This the New Po- ertarian Party. 20-page pages. Two-color, red &
Libertarians. employment, political
litical Party You've booklet, two-color (blue black. The "official" LP
Our invitation: Stock up today! Our Been Looking For? Bro- corruption, health care,
and black), with reply positions on every politi-
prices are low, our selection is large. And, chure, 2-color (violet & and violence & crime.
envelope. Comprehen- cal topic, from crime to
if you need these items fast, just $5 will black). Introductory bro- Provides steps the LP
sive introduction to LP, privacy; from taxation to
guarantee you rush shipment. chure, giving overview of would take immediately
stressing the benefits of monopolies; from educa-
the Libertarian Party. to solve these problems.
What are you waiting for? Order today, a libertarian society. tion to military policy.
and start spreading the good news about Cost: Sample: 50<1 Cost: Sample: $1
Cost: Sample: 75<1 Cost: Sample: $1.00
or $7 for 100 or$10forl00
the Libertarian Party! or $50 per 100 or $50 per 100

o Towards A More o The Libertarian o What Happened To o Equal Rights for o Making Your Neigh-
o Ending the WeHare
Sensible Drug Policy. Party: Working to Cut Your Family Budget? America's Gun Own- State. Brochure. 2-color
borhood Safe Again.
Brochure, 2-color (blue & Your Taxes. Brochure, Brochure, 2-color (blue & ers. Brochure, 2-color (green & black). Presents
Brochure, 2-color (red &
black). Compares Drug 2-color (green & black). black). Hard-hitting look (orange & black). Ex- the LP's four-point plan
black), Explains the LP's
~ohibition to alcohol Outlines how Libertar- at how government im- plains the LP's pro-Sec- to replace government
5-point Operation Safe
.ohibition; discussesthe ians would drastically re- poverishes the "typical" ond Amendment posi- welfare with private
Streets "Crime Control"
Prohibition/crime link; ar- duce taxes and govern- family through taxes and tion. and defends the charity and greater eco-
program.
gues for legalization ment spending. inflation. right to own guns. nomic opportunity.
Cost: Sample: SO¢
Cost: Sample: SO~ Cost: Sample: so¢ Cost: Sample: so¢ Cost: Sample: so¢ Cost; Sample: so¢
or $7 for 100
or $7 for 100 or $7 for 100 or $7 for 100 or $7 for 100 or $7 for 100
 •.•• t

36 Tipsfrom Media Professionals'

ere are 36 tips about how to get more media coverage I 0 Put a human face .on your story. "NOthing
H for your state or local Libertarian organization. These
suggestions are straight from media professionals -
the White House reporter for USA Today; the Washington
sells like a
human face. You need to have your facts and figures, your
statistics, but a human face will trump your facts,"

correspondent for the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain; a booker
from CNN cable network, and a producer for a Washington-area
radio station.
These tips were collected at a seminar at the National Press
Club entitled: "How to Get ~!edia Coverage for Your Issues and
Spokesmen," sponsored by one of Washington, DC's most
successful public relations firms, Creative Response Concepts
(CRC). Quotes are verbatim from the various journalists.
I Good media coverage starts with a good media fax or mail
list. "There's quite a bit of turnover; keep your list up-to-date.'
2 "It's ~portant to have a regular list of contacts. Have a 'core'
list macalways gets your press releases."
3 Keep your press releases co one page. "Two pages JUSt .
II Try to localize your story. "You want to give an example of
how your issue will impact your neighbor, your community, Many
smaller newspapers will only take stories with a local angle."
12 Avoid the beltway mentality. "We think what's important
to us is important to the folks back home." Frequently, it isn't
13 Take your message to alternate media sources like talk
radio. "There's nothing to reach the masses like talk radio,
There's nothing (0 get your message OUtlike talk radio."
14 "Recycle your press dips" on a regular basis (0 show the
media that you're already newsworthy,
15 Be c:~tive. "The more creative you are, the more the
media wants (0 keep in (Ouch with you.". . .-
. --.,;-

annoys them."
I6 Be immediately accessible. ~:$i~ trarisce~~everything
4 Writegood headlines. "Make it sexy and interesting." else. Ican't stress ..this enough. When r need Information, Ineed
it now."
5 Use a subhead in your press release. "There is supporting
evidence that a subhead 'Willencourage the reader to read the 17 Be honest. "Once crossed, a reporter will never trust you
first paragraph." again. Once you've breached that trust, it's gone. If you don't
know an answer, tell them so."
6 Writeabout breaking news. "Piggyback on headlines. What's
compelling to you isn't always news, bur what's news is always 18 Be personable, "It goes a long way."
compelling."
.19 Take advice, "Listen to what the media tells you about
7 Don't call journalists late in the afternoon. "Try to contact their business."
reporters in [he morning - before 1 or 2:00 in the afternoon. By
4:30 or 5:00, they're scrambling on deadline."
20 Target your media message. "Know the publication you're
reaching out to. Understand your various options of coverage."
8 Send out press releases on a regular basis. "If there is no
21 Provide nouelty. "We're always looking for new people to
consistent conuct, they're going to forget about you. Regular
contact is important." talk to - fresh angles."

9 Try to mft your press releases as a "horror story." "That's

22 Be the first to Spot a trend. "Help us identift trends; give
us solid examples. Two [things happening] is a coincidence;
what sells newspapers; that's what gets TV ratings."
three is a trend!"
 _...•..

23 Put a spedfic journalist's ~e on ev~ fax, ~[USA 33 Faxed p~s releases still work better than e-rnail. It will
Today] gets more than 1,000 pages of material each day," and be "three to five years" before the Internet is a primary conduit
faxes without a reporter's name gee tossed into me trash. for news. "We do not receive press releases by the Internet. It's
still down me road."
24 If you leave a phone message, "Keep ieshort!"
34 When calling a reporter, your first question should be:
25 If you mail your press release (instead of faxing it) rIy "Is it a good time to talk?"
hand-addressing the envelope. UA lor of people say they're more
inclined to open hand-addressed mail." 35 On talk radio, be interesting and provocative. "We want
people who will make our listeners say, 'Did you hear what they
26 Provide your home phone. "Horne phone numbers are said on 'W'WRC?' "
invaluable. Please give me your home phone number' to contact
after business hours. 36 Grab people's attention with the first sentence of your
press release, "If someone hits me in me first sentence, I might
2 7 Never call a reporter after 4:00 pm. "Don't call me on get to me second sentence."
deadline. If it's after 4:00, I'm on deadline."

28 Don't send a press kit unless requested. UI must confess,

fancy press kits end up in the crash."

29 Call reporters back ASAP. "If! call you, you can assume I
need you right away. Don't neglect call-backs."

30 If you leave your phone number on voicemail.uslow

dOl~71, and maybe say it twice."

31 For events you wane televised, give advance warning -

but nor too much. "It's helpful to call on Monday if you have
something going on on Thursday or Friday."

32 Be (politely) persistent. "lf l don't call back, call again.

Sometimes, me only viay you get nouced-s to call rwo or three
times."

p\ I
 Howt~ Write
N"e-Ws" Releas"(~
The News Release
News releases are used to notify the news
media of an event that has happened or will
happen. These events include: meetings,
announcements of candidacy, staged events,
actions of LP groups, and comments on current
events by LP leaders or candidates. In short,
anything which could be of interest to someone
outside the LP is a possible topic for a news
release.
Prepare a Media list. The easiest source is
the Yellow Pages under the headings:
Newspapers; Radio Stations; Television
Stations. It's desirable to send your releases to
the "Political Editor" or "News Editor." "It is
even better to find out that person's name, by
calling the newspaper or station. There are
other sources of media lists besides the Yellow
Pages, notably the library. Include the wire
services (AP, UPI, etc.) if their offices are in
the territory covered by the release.
'a"n Effective
• The name of the person responsible for
the release; "
• A telephone number where that person
can be reached;
• A statement of when the release should be
made public (it will be "For Immediate Release"
nine times out of ten).
Format /Appearance
A news release should be easy to read. If it
isn't, it won't be read. Therefore, always
double space; always leave big margins around
the copy; always indent paragraphs well in
from the margin - about ten spaces. "
If the release is more than one page, staple
the pages together, and indicate page numbers.
Use a standard designator at the end of the
release, such as "#," "-30-," or "End." Type
"MORE" at the bottom of each page to show
that the release continues on the next page.

You may wish to use one release for news- Style/Structure

papers, and another for television and radio.
You will be writing them as you would like to If you have never written a news release
have them printed or read, and different media before, or if all of your previous ones have
will be able to use different lengths of stories. been lousy, take a look at a number of news
articles from your local paper. Read them for
Write to be heard. And write your release style, not content. Note that-all newsarticles
exactly as you would like to see it printed in the are written alike; they all read the same way.
paper. Very often it will be, if you do a good Remember that if your releasedoesn 't read like
and reasonable job. Don't write a four page any other news release, the <reporter-or, editor
release if the paper can only be expected to print will have to "rewrite it, Hct doesn '1" want to
three paragraphs. rewrite it. So he probably won't use it.
Most reporters and editors are busy (and A news release is not a short story. It does
sometimes lazy) people. They do not wish to not have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
rewrite your release, and the chances of getting Instead, it follows a specific structure known as
your release used by the media are an inverted pyramid.
proportionate to its correctness of style,
structure, and content. Fortunately, mastering Decide what you are going to say, then
style, structure and content is easy. "prioritize"your points in "order of importance,
and write them, paragraph by paragraph, in
Always Include .•• descending order. The important points come
first; the trivial detail comes last.
• The name of the organization issuing the The Reason: Editors have space
news release; requirements, and may need to cut your story to
fit available space. They cut from the bottom
up. Maybe the editor will have room only for
your first two paragraphs; if so, you'l1 want to
say what you have to say in that space.
Paragraphs should be short, no more than
two or three sentences, and sometimes only one
is enough. Involved, complicated thoughts do
not fit easily into news articles.
Because of the importance of the inverted
pyramid, always tell Who, What, Where, and
When in your first paragraph.
What to Say
The first paragraph covers all the bases, and
should be written as if the entire story could be
told - not the details, but the essentials -
even if everything else were cut out.
And What Not to Say
A news article is not an editorial, and a
news release is not a vehicle to propagandize as
such. Express as much opinion as you want,
but do it between quotation marks.
Avoid esoteric terms understandable to no
one but another libertarian ("epistemology,"
"neo- Rothbardian ").
Back to quotes: Make them up. If you are
writing a news release about your candidate,
you don't have to call him. If you will be
handling releases regularly, make prior
arrangements with the candidate that he will
stand behind any quote you attribute to him.
Photos and Tapes
Use them, if they relate to the story and are
good quality. Include them with the release to
newspapers. For television, use slides or film
clips if you can get them, as well as photos.
For radio stations, provide cassette tapes of the
speaker. for use on the air. These should be
very brief.
Announcements
An Advance Announcement is used to
notify the media of an upcoming event.
Confine these to the bare details. After the
announcement goes out, call the. indiyiduaI
recipients, make sure they have received It, and
invite them to attend.
Helpful Hints
• Hand deliver your press releases to the
appropriate person. As with ev.erything else in
politics, personal contact is crucial. If you have
a major story, you may wish to meet a friendly
reporter over breakfast to discuss it in detail.
Be sure to make at least one personal call on
every news entity in the district as early in the
campaign as possible. It will help you to get
your stories printed, and will also be helpful
when it is time to seek their endorsement later
in the campaign.
• Follow up your news releases with
personal phone calls. Reporters and editors
will come to know you, and may even call you
for commentary because they know you're
around. Always treat them as people; they'll
appreciate it.
• Correct all grammar and spelling.
• Cultivate local newspapers and stations.
They need news, and are more likely to run
your release in its entirely.
• Think of ways to catch the editor's
attention visually. Buy a rubber stamp and
stamp "NEWS" in red ink on the release, or use
color in the letterhead.
• Preview your ads with the press,
especially if it is an attack ad If your ad is
unique enough yoomay get substantial airplay on
newscasts, along with extra comments by you.
• In some of your releases, target issues the
press feels strongly about. By displaying areas
ofagreement with the local press, you are more
likely to get your other stories covered.
• Learn deadlines. Don't try to push them.
From Libertarian Political Action, Techniques
jar Effective Campaigning,
A Publication of the Libertarian Party.
 .•. " ..

More Tips on News Releases

• Here are some more tips to successful news releases:

* Never send out a news release that doesn't have an individuals name on it.
Editor or Reporter. Establish a friendly relationship with your media contacts .
.;
• Keep an accurate, up-to-date list of targeted media people. Call your l~l media
and ask who is their political reporter, talk show host, etc. Get names, titles,
fax #' s, phone #' s. Keep your list up to date. 25 % of the list will be obsolete in a
year. Call through the list every six months. Note new media outlets in your area.
• Keep a special list of those who are specifically sympathetic to us-written or
said something nice about us. If they responded once, they are most likely to
respond again. They need to get every release.

* Mix up the type of releases you send. There are samples of each type included.
• News Releases-something happened or is about to happen.
Most likely to be picked up. Especially by local outlets.

• Issues Releases-an opinion. Will depend on how influential you are. Be novel
or unexpected. The entertainment value.

• Useful Information Releases-provide a service to the journalist. State an

opinion and include interesting factual data. Allow the journalist to sound smart.
Do the research for them.

• Strategy Releases-the sporting event factor. A strategy that you're

implementing, i.e. young candidate appealing to GenXers. Combine with-an
issue. How you're going to succeed. Use objective facts and figures to prove
your credibility. . ,. c:c·

Number of registered Libertarians going up. .

More candidates running than last year. More contributing members.
Bigger budgets. Rate of growth of members.

Repeat the good numbers over and over in different releases.

* seconds
Make your releases professional and interesting. Add a punchy headline. You have four
to interest them. Your headline is it. You have ten seconds for them to read your
first paragraph. Your first paragraph gets them to read the rest.

• Keep it short. Never more then one page. Use standard news writing style. Be
interesting news. A tantalizing, sensational opinion. Summarize the release in one
sentence (your first sentence). Keep opinions in "quotes." Facts without quotes.
Use short sentences. Action verbs. Be lively .

• Use the same header on your releases every time. A standard look. Change it
 . . - . .
yearly; Date our releases for the next day and write "Immediate Release" on
them. This tells them this is pew, and the date says It has not been sitting around
there desk for weeks, .

• Include your name and phones numbers. 'When they need more information, they
need in NOW! Be available.

* Put out more releases. A Party that does more will generate more media. Constantly
remind them you're there. Tout your accomplishments. More releases increase your odds
of getting lucky.

* actually
When quoting an official in your Party, it is not always necessary to have that person
make a quote. Just make something up and attribute it the them.

• Let the quoted person read the draft sentences before it is sent out. After awhile
you will get a list of issues you will always have to have the quoted review first
and another list of issues where the quoted won't need to preview the quotes.

• After the quotes are made, the quoted person should memorize the quotes he
"said" in case a media call in generated the quoted person will be on the same
page as the release .

• News releases are not a substitute for action. Success generates coverage .

• The interview call. Your releases will generate calls. You need to be available and prepared.

* start.
The first four minutes are the most important. You never have to recover from a good
You never have to recover from a good start. Capture the attention of the
audience. Be interesting, fun, enjoyable. ~..
..:.- .
.

* able
' •.....

Several times (evea fifteen minutes or so), find an opportunity-to Say,"'We may not be
to fully address this issue today so people can call us at 1-80.o~6-8Z-1776(or 1-
800-292-3766) or they can link to our website-at ww w.Ip.o rg (or www.1pnc.org)."

* When taking calls use thirtysecond answers. Use the Ransberger Pivot (contact the
Advocates for Self-Government for training on the Ransberger Pivot). For people who
disagree, make your point and move on.

* Make the host look good He may invite you back or to stay longer .

• What follows are sample news releases. First is an announcement of a county organizational
meeting. The latter are various styles of releases sent recently by the National Party.
 •••,II. '

>.

Outreach Material

• Do the activities listed in Operation Everywhere .

• Copy and use the below Quiz as the ice breaker at your fair booths and exhibit tables.

World's Smallest
Political Quiz
Take !he WORLD'S SMALLEST POunCAL QUIZ. Then use the SeIf-Govemment
Compass 1D and your political Identity. Cllde Y when you agree with a statement.
circle M Dr Maybe. Sometimes. or Need-Mor&-Iniormation. or circle N Dr no.

Are you • MIf~vemor on PERSONAL Issues? 20 10 0

• Military service should be voluntary. (No draft) Y M N
• Government should not control radio, TV. the pnISS. or the Internet Y M N
• Repeal regulations on sex for consenting adults .....•..........•.....•••.... Y M N
• Drug laws do more harm than good. Aepeal1hem ....••...••..••.•...•....... Y M N
• Let peaceful people cross borders fn>ety .•••.•.••••.•••••••.•.•••.••••••••••••••• Y M N
My PERSONAL 8IIIf-govemcr scor.: add 20 for Y. 10 for M. 0 fer N., r ---

Are you. Mlf-govemor on ECONOMIC Issues? L..! _

I
• Businesses and farmers should operate wi1tlout goVl subsidies.... Y M N
• Paopie are better off with free trade than with tariffs ..•.•.•.•... _.......... Y M N
• Minimum _ge laws cause unemployment Repeal !hem •.....•......... Y M N
• End taxes. Pay for services with user fees ....•...•..•..........•............... Y M N
• All foreign aid should be privately funded .•.•.•.••..•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.••.••••.•.•.• Y M N
My ECONOMIC MIf"9O"emer scor.: add 20 for Y. 10 for M. 0 fer N. ,..----,

How to use the Self-Government Compass

Marl!: yo<.Jr PERSONAL score up !he The compass maasuras:JQtf-govem- ~
left side and your ECONOMIC mant Ubarals value ,1re9dom of
soore up !he right side. expression. COi'rsarvativas.
Then 1oIJowthe grid value free. enterprise. -;
Rnes towards !he uberiarians value
middle un1!1 they both. Authori-
cross at your tarians are
political position. against both .
• Fora*- • Examples:
Infonnallon kit on T. Jefferson (top)
the Lbartarian H.D.Thoreau (top)
Party just call ('J.)
M. Thatcher (right)
us 1D11-fn>e: EcOtlOlllic
F.D.R. (\aft)
800~2-1n6 20 SdC~ • .,.".,..
J. Stalin (bottoml
or 800-292-3766 (NC). o 0 A. HlUar (botIDm)

• Use the list of resources on the next page to get the needed outreach material and to learn how to
be an effective advocate for liberty.
 '.:'""0
' ..
.: .
...
. Public Relations
• There are some 200,000 media contacts in the U.S. .
**The National Party can afford to send its News Releases to only about 2,000 of them.
The National Press Secretary urges and encourages each State and Local Party to
forward National News Releases onto media outlets in their areas.

• The media in your area is most likely not getting National releases. Especially if
you're in a smaller market.
* Smaller market news papers are the most likelv to run our stories!

• Those smaller papers are not getting the regular and constant attention they need to
be aware that we are out here and have an opinion on every breaking news story.

• If your media contact just happens to be getting National releases and you start
sending them. They will kindly let you know that they are getting two copies.

* If you are not already getting the National News Releases, contact the National Press
Secretary on the enclosed contact sheet. Releases can be received by fax, mail, or e-rnail
via the National Party's Announcement e-rnail list.

• To subscribe to the announcements mailing list, send a message to

<announce-request@lp.org> with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
* Note that the e-rnail releases are 500 words while the faxed and mailed
releases arejust 350 words to fit on one page .

• If you choose to forward the National releases, you can add your contact
information next to National's on the release but know the facts and background
information on the story in case you get called If you don't know the data, leave
just the National contact information attached.

. - .'