Public Relations

This year Kiwanians globally is celebrating 100 years of serving the children of the world. As we do our personal reflections, a tradition observed at this time of year, let us extend it to our clubs and at your next meeting take a few moments to share your Kiwanis moment.

At this special reflection meeting challenge each member to invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker and don’t forget family. Wait a minute this is getting exciting. How about inviting your local media? Oh, what was that ... a brilliant idea you say? Aha, now the excitement is catching on. Are your members celebrating a major milestone such as 10, 20, 30 years in Kiwanis? Celebrate their journey with a Legion of Merit pin, plaque or certificate.
 
This may sound like what many of us already do and that is excellent. Did anyone take photos? But there were so many cameras. How many times do we find ourselves asking the same question a day, a week, a month after these very worthy events?

As Kiwanians our focus is assessing the needs of our communities and finding ways to fulfill those needs though fundraisers and partnerships with other non profits. Our Pancake Breakfasts, Spaghetti Luncheons, Theater Afternoons, Bowling Nights and Dinner Dances allow us to support needy families at Thanksgiving, provide treats for children at Christmas, provide life saving education through our Pediatric Trauma Centers and tackle global issues such as the elimination of Iodine Deficiency as well as our current fight to rid the world of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus.

Let us not spend the next century being the best kept secret in town. Include a Public Relations committee in your club with a dedicated chair responsible for publicity, media relations and memorializing your events or meetings with photos or videos, create a web presence through a traditional website or social media.
 
A major element of Governor Eric’s vision this year is for us to forge stronger ties with our Service Leadership Programs. Ask for their help in creating a social media presence, nobody does it better than they do. Make a project of it. Invite the media to your Governor’s visit. The message he shares could be catalyst your club or division needs for membership growth.

Do you have an idea but could use a sounding board to validate or enhance it? Would you like to be that sounding board for others? One thing that we all have in common is our love for this organization and our efforts in improving our communities one child at a time. To share ideas for publicity or to be a part of the Public Relations Committee email kiwanisnodia@gmail.com.

Column Posted on Web Site February 1, 2015