State Bar of Wisconsin

Suggested public education activities

May 1 is Law Day. Why not incorporate the Life Planning theme into your Law Day Program at the courthouse, in the schools, at the mall, or wherever your events take place? The following week (May 8-14) is National Hospital Week. Activities can also fit with existing promotional events at the hospital.

Organize an event to drum up enthusiasm for your local campaign. Hold a press conference with the president of the county bar, president of the county medical society, and/or the CEO of the local hospital or clinic. Promote the spirit of collaboration between the professions. Announce the campaign and distribute copies of the consumer guide, A Gift to Your Family: Planning Ahead for Future Health Needs.

You may choose to ask a "local figure" (mayor, police chief, news anchor, school superintendent, county board chair, judge) to serve as your "first customer." Help the local figure complete an advance directive and have them sign it in a public place. Although the larger goal is to encourage families to discuss their health care wishes before completing the documents, having a local celebrity promote the process might inspire others to get started.

Organize community presentations on Life Planning topics, such as Powers of Attorney for Health Care, Living Wills and organ and tissue donation. Consider contacting service clubs and church groups in order to reach into ready-made audiences for your presentations. Hand out A Gift to Your Family consumer guides to your attendees.

Don't forget your own co-workers or employees! Organize a Life Planning "employee day" at a local hospital, law firm, or business.

Be creative and keep it simple.

• shopping malls
• schools (technical colleges, universities)
• churches
• senior centers
• public libraries, community centers
• service clubs
• local businesses, hospitals

Life Planning