Resources
Articles by SAE Communications
We have written a variety of articles for public agencies and associations that serve public agencies. We are very proud of these articles and invite you to click on each of the links below to read more about the issues of importance to public sector leaders.
- Successfully Communicating With Key Messages – Western City Magazine
- Crisis At City Hall: Planning Ahead Can Make The Difference – Western City Magazine
- Telling Your Story Through Effective Media Relations – Western City Magazine
- Managing More Effectively With A Strategic Communications Plan – Western City Magazine
- How Technology Can Dramatically Improve Customer Service – Western City Magazine
- Crisis at the Port: Planning Ahead Makes A Difference – Seaports Magazine
Professional Associations
We recommend checking into the following public sector associations. We are active instructors and contributors to the following organizations:
- California Association of Public Information Officials – CAPIO
- City-County Communications and Marketing Association – 3CMA
- League of California Cities – LCC
- Western City Magazine
- California State Association of Counties – CSAC
- CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government
- We are proud members of the CSAC Institute faculty; check out this PublicCEO feature story about the Institute
- American Association of Port Authorities – AAPA
- SAE’s principals authored a recent article for AAPA’s national magazine on crisis communications; check it out here
SAE Training Materials
Here are a few of the articles and materials we regularly use in our various training programs (please give proper credit to the various sources of these materials):
- Foodbank 25th Hour Disaster Preparedness Conference Presentation
- Transition Phrases
- Appearing Your Best On Camera
- Key Message Worksheet
- Media Pitching
- The Art of Anticipation: Questions & Answers
- Thou Shalt Tweet Guide for Government Communicators
- Why Good Companies Say Dumb Things
CAPIO 2015 Annual Conference: Lessons Learned from the Isla Vista Mass Murder Incident
We presented a case study at the conference which focused on lessons learned from the May 2014 Isla Vista incident. SAE Communications was retained by Santa Barbara County to provide a “road map” for the non-law enforcement agency response as well as assist the County’s Mental Health department respond to questions about the perpetrator’s contact with the agency. Click on each document below to review the conference materials and handouts:
- PowerPoint presentation
- “Road Map”
- Mental Health Initial Holding Statement
- Mental Health Media Release/Statement
- Mental Health Key Messages/Q&A (initial)
- Donation Fund Pointers
- General Observations-Lessons
- Investigation Report: Board of Sup. and Mental Health Key Messages, Q&A
- Article: San Bruno Praised for Gas Explosion Response
- Editorial: Seal Beach Community Response Praised
- Seal Beach Mass Shooting Initial Messages
- Investigative Summary
- Sheriff’s Press Release #1
- Sheriff’s Press Release #2
- Sheriff’s Press Release #3
- Sheriff’s Press Release #4
Resource Sharing
We’ve developed and also come across a variety of excellent materials for use by those who work in public agency communications. Please take a look:
Crisis Communications Resources
- PIO Go Kit Lists: office and personal
- PIO GetAway Kit List: take your office to the scene
- Checklist: setting up a media briefing center
- PIO Staffing the EOC: add a writer to join the Lead PIO
Social Media Policies
Strategic Communications Planning
- Elements of a Strategic Communications Plan
- Outline of Communications Plan Content
- Strategic Plan Elements
- Strategic Plan Publics
- Strategic Plan Definitions
- City of Long Beach Communications Plan – Table of Contents
- The Mind of a Strategist
Requests for Proposals
- City of San Jose Crisis Communications Planning
- City of Reno Communications Assessment
- Marin Water District Communications Plan
Presentation Tips/Training: Presenting Before Your Council/Board/Commission
