The Importance of Publicity & How It Affects Your Rotary Club "In the promotion of understanding, it is important to reach large numbers, non-Rotarians as well as Rotarians, and you cannot reach large numbers privately." ~Paul Harris #thinkdifferently

What Is Public Relations? PR gains an organisation or individual exposure to their audiences; ie: ‘The local community’ PR helps organisations [Rotary] and its local community adapt mutually to each other. PR can be used to build rapport with the local community, the general public and creates awareness of ‘What’s Rotary’. [Public Image!] PR spreads information to gain public awareness for a person to become interested in service, causes and our organisation and can be seen as a catalyst to joining Rotary……….Members! #thinkdifferently

YES!!!! Does RI Encourage PR? According to RI: Public Relation efforts are VITAL to Rotary’s continued growth & service………….. Members! Creating a positive image for Rotary is the responsibility of EVERY Rotarian, locally & globally. #thinkdifferently

Common Misconceptions Everyone has heard of Rotary. – “No they have not!” Everyone knows what Rotary involves. – “They think we are a charity organization!” Just because YOU know you’re in Rotary, YOU assume everyone else does too! “wear that pin!” If someone really wanted to be in Rotary, they’d ask you about joining your club. “Really-is it that simple”? Service Clubs are no longer dominant forces.-True! NGO’s, Business,Social networks, and Charities are all getting into philanthropy. – True! Do we think:”We have always done it like this!” TIME TO CHANGE! – TRUE! #thinkdifferently

Ways To Promote Rotary Promote - via the media [Social & Print] , Project Signs, Banners- club activities which address important community issues, and expose what Rotary does!. Develop a club Facebook page and encourage community organisations and individuals to link to it. Solicit third party endorsements of Rotary projects. Ask beneficiaries of Rotary service to speak or endorse publicly on behalf of the club. Publicis member participation in club activities in business and trade periodicals as well as at their work places. [ membership certificates on display in the office] #thinkdifferently

Ways To Promote Rotary Arrange for Rotary displays in local libraries, Banks, Shopping malls, Schools, Universities. Produce a video or take pictures of club activity. Download onto You Tube, Pinterest , your club Facebook page, Rotary Africa, - Keep the local press informed - make them part of Rotary! Promote & Encourage Rotary’s work with young people. Mentor and help form an Rota Kids, Interact or Rotaract Club. Seek opportunities for Rotarians to speak at community events & Schools. { Parents are exposed to ‘What’s Rotary’!] #thinkdifferently

GO BIG! – Think Brand Rotary! Ways to Promote Rotary Wear Rotary branding, pins, shirts, etc. Make it a habit NOT just at meetings! Promote items from the Rotary Shops. Place old copies of Rotary Mags in local Business Receptions, Doctor’s / Dentists Rooms, Hospitals, etc. Use signage throughout the community. - Team up with other Community organisations. Use mutual ground areas at Schools, Churches to Display Rotary Signage. A Donation a month is better than paying commercial advertising! #Thinkdifferently GO BIG! – Think Brand Rotary! #thinkdifferently

What Does “GO BIG” Mean? Update old Pull up banners, etc [reusable and portable] Use a large sign or banner and display it at community Projects, festivals and events your Club does. Speak to the Councils about displaying signage permanently in the community. [Not an easy one] so go the School & Church route! Join forces with another service organisation and create a “welcome to” sign for your community with emblems on the sign. Rotary-Lions-Round Table and Share the cost. If you can brand your business why cant you brand your Rotary Club or is it embarrassing and private? We do so much more than Social and Business networks! Show Your Rotary Colours! #thinkdifferently

More Ways to “GO BIG” Get local authority permission to place the wheel emblem at various public places (parks, roadways, etc.) Environmental projects - Sponsor a Roundabout! Ask your Local Shopping mall to become partners in fund raising efforts . Coin fountains, collection points etc Start a flea market/car boot or regular community event Encourage members to be ambassadors for Rotary! If you enjoy Rotary - Encourage others - GO BIG!

Why Publicity is Important “Publicity is a necessity in the world of volunteer work. If you look at it as ‘tooting your own horn,’ it develops a negative connotation.” But if you can view publicity as a way to reach out to people in need and people who can help you in your efforts to do good, then you will have discovered a treasure that provides an unending supply of resources. #thinkdifferently

Wondering Where To Start? Appoint a ‘PRPI’ [Public Relations Public Image] person or team within your club who will promote and liaise media coverage, Look after the club Facebook page and website and foster and project the image of Rotary. Encourage members to: DRESS THE PART Wear their Rotary Pins at all times not just to Club meetings. Wear Rotary branded clothing at events. Wear the face of Rotary in public Encourage members to: ACT THE PART Follow the 4 way test. Invite friends and colleagues to Rotary Club meetings and events. Talk the Talk, Walk the Talk – I am a Rotarian! Above all make Rotary FUN! #thinkdifferently

YOU ARE ROTARY Engage new and old members and share Rotary Stories with visitors to meetings. BE welcoming BE friendly BE conversational BE a good listener BE sincere BE Rotaries Public Image! #thinkdifferently

Rotary Post Cards www.rotarygbi.org/members/shop-online-catalogue #thinkdifferently

Thank You - #Thinkdifferently in Rotary!