P.I.P.E. LINE

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: #18
Date: March 1986
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of MUFON's P.I.P.E. LINE, dated March 1986, is primarily dedicated to the organizational efforts required for the upcoming National UFO Information Week 1986. The publication emphasizes the necessity of a collective effort, moving away from a single-person coordination model to a distributed approach where various individuals take on specific responsibilities.

Getting Started: National UFO Information Week 1986

The lead article, "GETTING STARTED," outlines the preparations for National UFO Information Week 1986. The editor stresses that coordinating such a large-scale, nationwide event requires a group effort. Individuals are asked to volunteer for and take on specific aspects of the coordination, with a request to notify the editor upon completion of their assigned tasks. The goal is to make this year's event as successful and widespread as the previous year's.

Key dates and deadlines are highlighted. Packages for State Directors, containing materials like posters, press releases, public service announcements, and MUFON information pages, are scheduled to be sent out in late May. State Directors will then need time to make copies and distribute these materials. To ensure timely preparation, all individuals assigned tasks are requested to complete them by May 1st. The editor also notes a personal move to Arizona in mid-July, which may cause delays in mail processing after June 26th, further underscoring the importance of meeting the May 1st deadline. The cooperation of all involved is greatly appreciated.

A prominent graphic on the page promotes "SUPPORT NATIONAL UFO INFORMATION WEEK" with the dates "10-17 AUGUST 1986" and the slogan "CREDIBILITY IS CONTAGIOUS SPREAD IT AROUND."

Sharing: Task Assignments

The "SHARING" section details the specific tasks assigned to various individuals, outlining their roles in the National UFO Information Week preparations:

• Walt Andrus: Tasked with ensuring that members of MUFON's Board of Directors receive copies of the proposed Media Policy Statement. He is also asked to submit a copy of the new MUFON information page for inclusion in the package for State Directors, and to arrange for plaques for a new award recipient and for Dr. Hynek.
• Dan Wright: Responsible for writing a 1½-2 page press release that State Directors can copy and distribute to local newspapers, radio, and TV stations. This release should include a section for State Directors to fill in their planned activities.
• Walt Webb: Assigned to write three or four brief Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for State Directors to submit to local radio and television stations. These PSAs should be short, designed to run for 10 or 20 seconds, and include a space for State Directors to insert their local UFO reporting telephone number.
• John Schuessler: Asked to contact Donald Schmidt, the Wisconsin State Director, to create a new poster for the week. If Mr. Schmidt is unable to do so, Mr. Schuessler is to contact Tom Deuley for the poster design.
• Paul Cerny: Since R.W. Smith Associates, a PR firm, will be taking the MUFON display nationwide, Mr. Cerny is to obtain a schedule of their tour to alert State Directors in affected areas. He is also to inquire if R.W. Smith Associates would be willing to advertise National UFO Info. Week during the week of August 10-17.
• Barry Greenwood: Tasked with compiling a comprehensive bibliography of suggested reading materials. These resources are intended for State Directors to copy and distribute to interested individuals, potentially for use at mall displays or library exhibits.
• Bob Bletchman: Instructed to continue work on a current project with "Charnas" and to provide updates on any results.

The issue concludes with a note stating that due to time constraints, the P.I.P.E. Line is limited to one page this month.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the importance of organized, collaborative effort in promoting UFO awareness and information. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement and community involvement, encouraging members to take ownership of specific tasks to ensure the success of major initiatives like National UFO Information Week. The emphasis on "credibility" and "spreading the word" suggests a commitment to disseminating information responsibly and effectively to the public.