NEWARK, NJ — Patch is teaming up with locals motivated to highlight the people, places, events and stories that make their communities unique. And now it's easier than ever to get your voice on Patch. So whether you're a writer interested in becoming a contributor on our site, or you want to share events for your local nonprofit, here's how to start posting on Patch. NEWS TIPS AND PRESS RELEASES

News tips, letters to the editor, op-eds and press releases should be sent to your local Patch editor. Click here for a tutorial on what to include in a press release. Send all releases for Newark, NJ to Eric.Kiefer@patch.com

Including small attachments is fine, but PLEASE include all pertinent information directly in the body of your email (so it can be easily "cut and pasted"). Format the press release just like any "regular" news article you see on your local Patch.

Please include a single, high-quality photo or image (preferred format is a .jpg) with photo credit

Please note that due to high volumes of submissions, it's not always possible to publish all releases or respond individually… but we try our best!

Social media is great, but it's better to try to reach out to your local editor directly HOW TO USE THE PATCH "BULLETIN BOARD" OR "EVENTS" SECTIONS

More of a take-charge personality? Here's how to make your own posts on our Bulletin Board or Events sections! Step 1: Sign up

If you already have an account, great! Sign in. If not, apply for one for free here on any device. Connect with Facebook to make your account setup super speedy, or fill in your information to get your new Patch login created. You'll receive an email once your account is approved.

Why do we make you apply? We want to make sure your great, local content isn't overwhelmed by non-local content — or worse, spam. So we ask users to apply to make sure you're real, and real local. Step 2: Get posting Once you are logged in, you're ready to post on Patch. Here are your options: Write an article Click or tap the + Article button Choose your Patch: Enter your town name or zip code. Choose your topic: The bulletin board is for local news, announcements, opinions and lost pet notices while deals & classifieds is for local sellers Add an article headline and brief description of your story Drop in an awesome photo Write the story you'd like to share with your community Click 'Post Now' and check it out on Patch Post an event Click or tap the + Event button Choose your Patch: Enter your town name or zip code Enter an event title that describes what the event is Add the date and time for the event Add an eye-catching photo Share details about the event and specific information you'd like attendees to know Write the event address in the specific fields Include a website that users can go to for more information about the event Click "Post Now" and see your event on the Patch calendar Step 3: Get noticed

Schools, local governments, park districts, clubs, sports teams and tons of inspiring individuals post on Patch every day. And when a new Patcher starts posting awesome content on the reg, our local editors know. They're constantly on the lookout for future Patch Contributors and Patch Contributing Writers, so if you write something awesome, send it to them! Just click or tap the title of your post in your Patch account, copy the URL and email away. That's the best way to get on our radar. Businesses must contact sales to post their events on the Patch. You'll receive an email confirming your account (It usually takes between 24 to 48 hours to process). Registered users can login to their accounts here. From there, you can make write your first Bulletin Board article or make your first event posting. If you run into issues or want to learn more about posting to Patch, click here for an easy FAQ guide and info on how to submit a support ticket to our help desk. Welcome aboard, Patcher. We're excited to see what you have to say.