At Wilson PR, we believe in the power of strong communication to create lasting community impact. That’s why we were especially proud to see our CEO and Founder Beth Wilson lead cityCURRENT’s GET ON BOARD training session this quarter.

The GET ON BOARD series is a free virtual training initiative, made possible by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., that equips nonprofit leaders and board members with the tools they need to amplify their mission and attract more support.

During the session, Beth focused on media relations and interview tips for nonprofits, giving attendees actionable strategies for crafting compelling messages, navigating media interviews, and harnessing storytelling to inspire their audiences.

Why media readiness matters
The media has the power to amplify your mission far beyond your own communication channels. For nonprofits, that visibility can mean more donors, more volunteers, and more champions for your cause. But earning that kind of coverage requires preparation and clarity.

Strong messaging builds trust both with the community and with reporters – helping them clearly understand the narrative you want to tell. A compelling story can open the door to new funding opportunities, while consistent interviews and media appearances establish your nonprofit as a credible resource and thought leader.

Put simply: Media readiness isn’t optional. It’s a cornerstone of growing your mission’s impact.

Tools and takeaways
Successful media engagement starts long before the interview begins. Preparation equips nonprofit teams to speak with confidence and consistency, no matter the platform. It ensures clarity on mission, values, and differentiators, while also helping leaders anticipate questions and stay focused on what matters most.

Beth shared several key tools that every nonprofit should have in place:

• SWOT analysis: Identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Audience profiles: Understand both your primary and secondary audiences, and what resonates with them.
• Messaging questionnaires: Align your staff around core messages, tone, and talking points.
• Prep sheets: Provide leaders with sample talking points, FAQs, and impact stories so they’re always ready to represent your organization.

These resources lay the foundation for stronger donor communication, community engagement, and mission-driven storytelling.

Investing in local impact
In celebration of the workshop, cityCURRENT made a $250 donation on behalf of Wilson PR to Volunteer Odyssey, a Memphis-based nonprofit that connects Memphians with purpose through meaningful volunteer opportunities. This contribution reinforces the session’s theme: When stories are shared with intention, they can ripple outward into even greater impact for the community.

As Beth emphasized, effective PR isn’t about having the perfect soundbite; it’s about preparation, clarity, and authentic connection. By grounding messaging in mission, preparing teams with the right tools, and elevating impact stories, nonprofits can build trust, attract meaningful support, and strengthen their role as credible voices in the community.

We’re proud of Beth’s leadership in this important conversation and grateful to cityCURRENT and The Assisi Foundation for providing a platform to equip local nonprofits with tools to thrive.