On Wednesday, August 22, 2007, and Thursday, August 23, 2007, the National Institute of Corrections will unveil via satellite/Internet broadcast a new training strategy for facilitators to conduct public and media relations training in their regional locations. This training strategy encompasses a "blended learning" approach using various distance technologies and classroom based media interview simulations. These Interviewing Practicals include equipment normally used (e.g., lights, cameras, and microphones) by the media.

How can you help? NIC needs a facilitation team of 3-5 persons to conduct skill-building training sessions in their regional locations. The team must consist of at least one person who has completed NIC's Public and Media Relations training program or who has experience as a Public Relations Officer, a trainer, and a technology person. The team will organize and facilitate the practical interviewing sessions for NIC's new training series.

NIC will provide the content, training, and technical support for teams to conduct skill building training sessions in their respective regional locations. After the satellite/Internet broadcast, participating teams will be:

• Familiar with NIC’s media relations e-learning course, available in DVD format.
• Prepared to conduct media skill-building activities using various media interview formats.
• Ready to facilitate and provide feedback to participants that will help them to develop their media relations skills.
• Able to sharpen their interviewing skills and have a better understanding of public and media relations.

Following the facilitator training, your responsibility will be to organize and facilitate the “practicals” component for corrections professionals. This will be done in conjunction with NIC support from a central location, date to be determined.

This broadcast is available without charge to anyone with access to the Internet or a satellite dish or downlink (both analog C-Band and digital KU-Band transponders). If your agency does not have its own satellite dish, check to see if a local college, federal prison, or hotel in your area has a downlinked meeting room.

Call in questions using the toll-free telephone number shown during the broadcast.

Audience

Experienced staff responsible for communicating information to the media and to the general public. Staff must have experience as a PIO or have completed NIC’s Public and Media Training Program. Open to qualified staff working at all levels in jails, prisons, probation, parole, pretrial services, juvenile justice, and other corrections-based organizations.