Missouri’s workshops provide outstanding services, for people with disabilities, local businesses and entire communities. These workshop successes are wonderful stories about empowering people, serving businesses and bettering Missouri towns and cities.

But far too often, these successes are never told outside of the immediate “workshop circle.” That’s never good, but it’s especially troublesome when many seem to have a misguided idea of how workshops operate and serve people with disabilities.

MASWM urges every manager to share his or her story. We’d like to hear about your successes, but most of all we want to make it easy for you to share those stories with your community, using newspapers, your website or even outlets such as Facebook.

At right are links to news release template and three imaginary samples. Story topics are unlimited so no single template can cover everything, but these will provide an idea of how it should be done. We’ve also attached a sample “release” that you MUST have on file before using the photograph or name of any consumer (your organization may require additional permissions and individual requirements vary).

Why bother? For one thing, news releases are free advertising. A business operator who sees your release may decide to give your services a try. A potential donor may read of your efforts and decide to make a contribution. Most of all, people who read about your workshop’s successes will see the positive impact you make on the community. This includes not just parents and guardians, but also local, regional and state leaders.

Make this a priority, if not monthly then every quarter. In many cases, local newspapers need good stories and, if they are properly presented, they will be happy to run them. The releases don’t need to be long. In fact, they should almost never be longer than one page.

Good luck!