The purpose of the communications group was determine potential actions that can be taken locally and nationally to utilize media to keep the college open. We discussed the following information and potential action steps.

• Preparing a media kit with talking points and slogans that will allow anyone speaking to the media to provide a clear and consistent message (focus on the need to convey a positive image- the College isn’t closed yet)

• Make a list of supporting individuals that may assist in the effort

• • Who would they be?
    • Current students
    • External media
    • Alumni (specifically those involved in producing media, or famous alums)
    • Students that have been on campus in the last ten years to refute the image of “declining Antioch”
    • Should we have “point people” that only talk to the media, or can anyone reach out? (this is still being debated, due to individuals being repeatedly misquoted or not conveying a clear message)
    • Involve former graduation speakers
    • Public individuals potentially interested (Martin Goldsmith, Chancellors, Michael Moore, Dave Chapelle)
    • Locate charismatic speakers
• What are our tactics?
  • Creating and producing our own media about the college closure
  • Coming up with a positive slogan
  • Potentially creating two websites (one for insiders [alumni, organizers] and one specifically designed for the press and other external individuals interested in efforts)
  • Creating press releases (perhaps release about our local meeting)
  • Make all meeting notes public
  • Invite the media to local meetings
  • Coordinate internal media (combining all disparate listserves to antiochians.org)
  • Clarify the problems with the 2012 plan and explain the flaws using the media (ex: contracts, pensions, tenure)
  • Create a way for alumni who are not computer savvy to remain in contact and active
  • • Newsletter
  • • Pamphlets (what happened? why? what can we do?)
    • Produce talking points in a Q & A format
  • Reach out to the indie press (since much media has explained the current state of the college as an example of the dying left)
  • Stay up to date on faculty and legal actions and maintain all internal communications
  • Question exigency approach
  • Get the agenda for the next meeting out ahead of time so everyone has a chance to prepare for the next meeting
  • Keep up communication between groups so they can collaborate (ex: fundraising committee sharing events with communication to publicize)
  • Create liaisons between all local chapters to ensure a unified national effort
  • Use Antiochians.org for communication between chapters
  • Consider a reverse co-op where former students can return to campus and contribute to its revitalization (particularly retired alumni) (Antioch Service Corps)

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 15th at 2:00, and minutes and agenda will be distributed prior to the next meeting

Last Modified : June 30th, 2007 Filed under : Chicago Navigate : Previous post / Next post