Internship Projects

Most of the projects RPACs will be responsible for are centered on MDA’s public relations initiatives. When interns apply good public relations skills to their work responsibilities, they will help to increase their region's productivity. Interns always should be aware that MDA operates successfully because of public trust, and it is part of their job to maintain and expand trust in MDA.

Press Releases and Media Alerts

RPACs will write and distribute MDA’s regional press releases and media alerts about local events, programs, profiles and the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Pitching MDA News

RPACs will spend a considerable amount of time pitching story ideas to editors from all types of media in their region about MDA families, volunteers, events and programs.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to newspapers and magazines are additional publicity opportunities for the Association. RPACs will be responsible for writing or securing letters to their regional print media that are relevant to the news and events they are promoting.

Bylines

Each summer there are several RPACs that secure bylines in newspapers and magazines in their region. RPACs are encouraged to write up news stories if they find that a publication doesn’t have the resources to send a reporter to cover MDA news.

Public Service Advertisements (PSAs)

RPACs are responsible for securing placement for MDA's TV, radio, Internet and print public service ads in their respective regions. RPACs also are encouraged to localize PSA artwork for their market and to include the local "Love Network" station and/or local sponsors when appropriate.

Promotions

RPACs will work directly with their Regional Director to secure promotions with businesses in the area they cover. MDA summer promotions are largely focused on the Telethon, but also can highlight specific events and programs.

Below is a sample list of possible promotions RPACs will be working to secure this summer:

• Pizza box toppers
• Library displays
• Telethon posters
• Major and minor league ballpark Jumbotron placements
• Movie theater slides
• Airport dioramas
• Electronic billboards
• Grocery bag ads
• Milk carton ads
• Ice cream stores "MDA Flavor of the Month"

Summer Camp

Most interns will be invited to spend at least a day at MDA summer camp to coordinate publicity opportunities for the program. RPACs will arrange for all types of media to meet and interview MDA kids, counselors, volunteers and staff about this incredible program.

Fill-the-Boot

This program, a fundraiser by longtime MDA sponsor International Association of Fire Fighters, will be a major focus of the RPACs publicity efforts throughout the summer. RPACs will work on securing calendar listings, news stories, photo opportunities, PSAs and promotions surrounding the program.

Weekly Reports

RPACs will submit a report every week to their supervisor at MDA’s national office and to their local office Regional Director. The report explains the current projects, goals, media hits and project materials the intern is working on.