Public relations (PR) involves educating the public via unpaid media. (For added impact, some people combine it with paid advertising using general-interest educational ads, such as "What Every American Needs to Know or small-space ads.)

This type of outreach is simple, affordable and effective if you stay with it. It may involve sending letters to the editor, press releases, fact sheets, brochures or kits. It may involve sending timely story ideas to journalists and other media and communications outlets. I may involve sharing educational materials with opinion leaders in civic, religious or other venues.

With a little planning, you can help educate the public about unwanted abortions and other risks and injustices that endanger both the unborn and women .... in addition to post-abortion issues and injustices. PR is especially effective if you can provide quotes from local individuals or leaders, or local contacts willing to be interviewed. For example, this might include representatives of local counseling centers, a local pastor or civic leader, or women, men and families personally hurt by abortion.

In this section, you'll find tips for dealing with the media and using mass media communications. You'll also find helpful tools and general-education resources, such as a sample press release, sample letters to reach key audiences, including political, religious and civic leaders. See our political kit and much more to make your PR (aka free advertising) efforts work even better! We have also provided ideas for free or low-cost ways to use our ads and educational materials, plus a free fundraising letter and other ideas to help fund a local "The UnChoice" ad  campaign. Many of the general interest ads are ideal for PR or educational purposes for media and other leaders who are new to this issue.

Don't forget to check our PR Calendar for timely events. When you time it right, your letter to the editor or other media outreach will be even more effective. (See also: Political Advocacy section)