SESSION 8 PUBLIC RELATIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop and implement a public relations plan for the club Select strategies to raise the image of Rotary in the community

Why are public relations important for your Rotary club? What can every club member do to promote positive public relations? What should club members know about public relations? What is your role in club public relations?

CLUB PRESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Appoint a club public relations committee that will work with the media and build relationships with other local organizations Ensure that club projects and activities will attract positive media attention Seek publicity for successful service projects or other activities that illustrate Rotary’s mission Serve as club’s spokesperson or identify a fellow club member to do so Inspire club members to promote Rotary or participate in club public relations

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Develops and executes a plan to provide the public with information about Rotary and promotes the club’s service projects and activities

Who will you work with to improve your club’s public relations, and to develop successful public relations? What types of media are in your area?

TYPES OF MEDIA Local newspapers and magazines Local radio and TV stations Online publications/Internet/Blogs/Websites Trade publications Public access cable stations(astro, starhub) Radio public affairs and talk shows Newsletter of corporate/community organisations Billboards/notice boards

Has your club had success with one of these media sources? How does your club use news releases and fact sheets?

NEWSWORTHY ACTIVITIES Service projects that meet community need or larger news trend An international service project supported by your club or a local club volunteer Projects that involve local youth or prominent community members A notable or prominent speaker at a club meeting An account of life in another country by a Rotary or Foundation program participant(GSE) Stories with a strong visual element

What success has your club had in promoting one of these activities? How can you prepare to serve as your club’s spokesperson?

CLUB PUBLIC RELATIONS:CASE STUDY How can the club provide basic information about RI and the club to the media? What aspects of the club’s current activities might interest the media? Which type of media is most appropriate for each aspect and Why? How might club programs interest local media? What steps should the club take to keep the media informed of its activities?

SUMMARY OF SESSION 8: PUBLIC RELATIONS RESOURCES Effective public relations: a guide for Rotary clubs(257- EN) Public relations: make it work for you(269-EN), videotape Keyword searches ‘public relations’ Assistant Governors/ District Chair, public relations/RI public relations staff

THANK YOU