2009 Civil Air Patrol Annual Conference Major Al Pabon NCR/PA

What we will discuss Why do you need a PAO? Why do you need a PAO? How Do I Get a Squadron PAO? How Do I Get a Squadron PAO? Training The PAO Training The PAO Helping the PAO Succeed Helping the PAO Succeed Resources Resources Retaining the PAO Retaining the PAO Questions Questions

Why do you need a PAO? Increase public awareness of CAP, its local, state and national missions and its contributions to the nation. Develop and conduct a comprehensive internal and external public awareness plan to support the unit Promote cooperation between CAP and other aviation organizations, the military, business, industry and civic groups. From CAPR 190-1

In other words A good PAO can help your squadron or wing succeed!

What can a PAO do for me? Newsletters Newsletters Press/Media Releases Press/Media Releases Web Content Web Content Feature Stories Feature Stories Media Relations Media Relations Fund Raising Fund Raising Community Relations Community Relations Mission IO Function Mission IO Function Recruiting Recruiting

A Good PAO Is enthusiastic about CAP Is enthusiastic about CAP Knows CAP (the business, 3 Missions) Knows CAP (the business, 3 Missions) Knows the market Knows the market Understands the PA/PR function Understands the PA/PR function Is Technically Savvy Is Technically Savvy Can write and communicate verbally Can write and communicate verbally Is creative Is creative

A Good PAO Is outgoing and talkative Is outgoing and talkative Is discreet Is discreet Understands his/her role Understands his/her role Is willing to ask for help Is willing to ask for help Is a team player Is a team player

Sources of PAOs Existing members (can be trained) Existing members (can be trained) Phase 4 cadets can be assistants Phase 4 cadets can be assistants The military (Guard and Reserve) The military (Guard and Reserve) Universities and colleges Universities and colleges PR professional associations PR professional associations Interns Interns

The Problem Is that we tend to recruit the nearest warm body to a duty assignment without giving thought to the warm body’s ability to do the job

The solution is To carefully recruit, train and retain good PAOs for your squadron

Getting Started Need is identified Need is identified Identify where the word needs to get to Identify where the word needs to get to Engage your wing PAO Engage your wing PAO Get the word out that you need help Get the word out that you need help

Interns Can help without becoming members Can help without becoming members Journalism or mass communication students Journalism or mass communication students Lay out very specific objectives and time frames (The unit’s PA plan is the guide) Lay out very specific objectives and time frames (The unit’s PA plan is the guide) Have your wing PAO work with the college or university Have your wing PAO work with the college or university

Cadets Are smart Are smart Are technically savvy Are technically savvy May be willing May be willing Lay out specific parameters and expectations Lay out specific parameters and expectations Don’t forget the encampment cadet PAO opportunity Don’t forget the encampment cadet PAO opportunity

Training The New PAO’s orientation The New PAO’s orientation PAO’s Checklist PAO’s Checklist PAO Basic Course PAO Basic Course National & regional PAO academies National & regional PAO academies New materials on the way from NHQ New materials on the way from NHQ FEMA training materials FEMA training materials

Help the New PAO Succeed by Having a good PAO plan Having a good PAO plan Having a good Crisis comm plan Having a good Crisis comm plan Allowing the PAO access to material resources Allowing the PAO access to material resources Encouragement Encouragement Public support Public support A great wing and region PAO A great wing and region PAO

Retaining the PAO Keep them engaged Keep them engaged Get them trained Get them trained Make them part of the team (family) Make them part of the team (family) Appropriate recognition Appropriate recognition Properly resourced Properly resourced

Resources National HQ Public Affairs Website l_hq/public_affairs/ National HQ Public Affairs Website l_hq/public_affairs/ l_hq/public_affairs/ l_hq/public_affairs/

Getting and Maintaining a PAO Is hard work for the CC Is hard work for the CC Is worthwhile Is worthwhile Helps the unit and CAP succeed Helps the unit and CAP succeed

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