Introduction
Hi.  I'll help you build a program around your schedule and work load.  Let me know what areas you're interested in.  Other active area "members" can share the workload and get more done.

You'll need an introductory packet, sometimes called a "press kit" or "media kit".  Ours have consisted of an introductory letter WITH YOUR CONTACT INFO!, Mars – America’s New Frontier, Founding Declaration, Mars: 4th Rock (Cinci made - we'll get you one), a brochure, and I stick in my Mars Society business card made by Dayton member Craig Jarratt.  This is not
set in stone; everyone has different materials.  If you have other flyers, consider them.

Newspapers
Now you'll need phone books and your phone.  For newspapers, look them up in your yellow pages; select all city papers, including your alternative paper, and any specialty papers you think might be interested; make a list of names and numbers on your own paper leaving room for contacts' names and notes.

When you call, introduce yourself, say you're with the Mars Society, and ask who you should talk to.  You'll probably have to BRIEFLY explain who we are.  When you get who you need, tell them about the Society, the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station, and brief summary of Mars Direct.  Most will be interested.  Tell him/her you have an information packet you can send if s/he doesn't ask first.  Write down the name & address, and make a note on your sheet when you've sent one.  If you don't hear back in a week, call back to follow up on your packet and make sure it arrived.  The rest should take care of itself.  If you get a voice mail from a prospect, leave a message.  If no one calls you back in two business days, call back.

Radio Stations
Another media outlet is radio stations.  I suggest avoiding stations with raunchy morning shows (usually rock).  Look in your white pages under "W" or "K" for the call letters.  Call the business line and ask for the morning show producer.  Most are in the office until 11 or 12 noon.  Again,
introduce yourself and the Mars Society, and say that you wanted to see if we would fit in the station's format/programming.  (If so, great; if not, that's okay, too.)  Mention that you have information packets; they'll usually want one.  Again, if you don't hear back in a week, call
for follow-up.  You're looking to be a "point of interest, topical discussion, or interview".  Usually interviews will follow.

Television
If you want to try to contact TV stations, go ahead.  Especially when there is space news, they might be interested.  One of our stations even had Tam Czarnik (Ohio Chair) in the studio for a LIVE interview the day NASA released the water pictures.  You may end up sending a packet to
the assignment desk.  You'll just have to feel it out.  Especially for contacting the media, it helps to have an event to center around.  Two ideas are either info tables possibly with speeches on your city square or a public presentation at your main library's meeting room/auditorium.  (Just call to arrange.)  Remember to publicize your event.

Presentations
To book presentations, good places to start are civic groups, ham radio clubs, and astronomical societies.  Phone books and the web are the places I know to find them.  Just call, tell them about the Society, and that we do free presentations, and offer to send an info packet.

If you'd like, look around for other options.  We have a mall here with a Kids' Club program.  They are interested in having us for their November date to work with the kids.  As for schools, one of our Dayton Branch members is building an educational program and has found a related
company that has already been in the classroom.

Another outlet for presentations and information is science fiction - clubs and conventions.  Clubs may post fliers in book stores and especially comic book/fantasy shops where there is a fan base.  Contact the clubs and offer to give a presentation at a club meeting. (Many of
them are on local city websites, too.)  These clubs can tell you when, where, and how to contact the sci-fi conventions ("cons") near or in your area.  Cons are especially good for presentations (multiple) and info tables.  Don't forget to set out petition pages and a pen, and HAVE FUN!
(Don't forget to eat at con; most do.)

You might also consider churches, scouts, boys and girls clubs, and career-centered activities for kids and teens.  Just give them a call.

Websites
Another tool at hand is the web.  If anyone in your branch knows computers well, set up a website on your local city site (such as activedayton.com).  For ideas, directions, etc., write Craig Jarratt at lrbotch@hotmail.com.  Our local site has been VERY popular.