Empowering Students' 'Ability to Communicate to Society' to Move Regions: PR Workshop with Iwate University & Ihatov Kyoso Lab on May 14 [Toward Zero 'Information Gaps' in Iwate]

PR TIMES, Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takumi Yamaguchi), operator of the press release distribution service 'PR TIMES,' and volunteers from the officially certified 'Press Release Evangelists' are promoting the 'Chagu Chagu Iwate PR Project 2026' through industry-academia collaboration to improve the communication capabilities of businesses and children in Iwate Prefecture. In the Child and Youth Development Division, a lecture titled 'How to Turn Your Challenge into Social News' will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Ihatov Kyoso Lab of Iwate University (Morioka City, Iwate). This workshop is designed for students, lab users, and partner companies to teach the basics of PR and conduct a hands-on session for creating press releases. It aims to support the first step in gaining social trust through information dissemination and increasing fans for various activities, promoting the mastery of communication tools that connect educational settings with society. ### What is a PR TIMES Certified 'Press Release Evangelist'? A person officially recognized by PR TIMES who possesses a love for, knowledge of, and experience with press releases and spreads their use to others. Their primary role is to expand the culture of issuing press releases to those who have not yet utilized them or have room for improvement, helping more people advance their activities through information announcements. Through their presence and activities, they aim to achieve the 'Democratization of PR,' where anyone can communicate valuable actions regardless of region or experience. https://prtimes.jp/pressrelease-evangelist/ *This press release was co-written with the Press Release Evangelists promoting the project. ### Background | Limited 'Opportunities' In research at universities like Iwate University, there are many 'seeds' that are useful to society. Similarly, many highly socially significant practices exist within student-led activities. In fact, at Iwate University, there are many activities that deserve more social recognition, such as a waste soybean project started by agriculture students and a research group deepening and spreading knowledge of livestock industry. On the other hand, opportunities for students to learn methods to accurately convey their value and solve problems while connecting with society through information dissemination are still limited. If the method to reach the media and communication skills can be acquired during student years, that power will function as a 'ticket to society.' 'Chagu Chagu Iwate PR Project' aims to fundamentally raise the information dissemination power of Iwate through the implementation of programs that encourage the growth of not only businesses but also young people. ### Workshop Seminar Overview - **Lecture Title:** 'How to Turn Your Challenge into Social News' - **Organizer:** Iwate University Regional Collaboration Education Center, Ihatov Kyoso Lab - **Cooperation:** PR TIMES, Inc. - **Target:** Iwate University students, Ihatov Kyoso Lab users/businesses - **Date & Time:** Thursday, May 14, 2026. Part 1: 16:00-17:00, Part 2: 18:30-20:00 - **Location:** Ihatov Kyoso Lab (3-18-34 Ueda, Morioka City, Central Cafeteria 2F) - **Fee:** Free (Facility registration required) - **Application:** Via Ihatov Kyoso Lab official website https://ihatov-lab.iwate-u.ac.jp ### What is a Press Release? Basic PR Lecture This basic lecture is for those who want more people to know about their activities but don't know how to convey them or wonder if there are more effective methods than SNS. It covers everything from the mindset at the core of PR activities to practical methods for drawing out the social value of information. ### Organize who you want to reach and what you want to deliver, and learn verbalization to convey the charm of your activity in 30 seconds. ### Combine your activities with world trends and social movements to find angles that interest the media.