The 2008 Capital District Convention will be held this year from Thursday, August
14 through Sunday, August 17th in Richmond Virginia at the
Downtown Marriot and the Richmond Convention Center, just
a few blocks from the State Capitol. Hosted by the Heart
of Virginia Region of the Capital District, this year's theme
is "Prescription For Success,” and one of the big highlights-not
to be missed-is Friday night's Birthday Party at the Marriott
to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the District Convention. PR
CORNER - Little things make your reputation
excerpts from the Kiwanis International Public Relations
Handbook
Public relations isn't just publicity. In fact, all contacts with the public are "public relations." To ensure each of these contacts helps build the Kiwanis image is the responsibility of every Kiwanian, from the club president to the newest member. Public relations is, as the military says, "an allhands job."
Yet to make sure the job gets done, one individual-the public relations chairperson-must be constantly aware of all facets of Kiwanis contact with the public. Being public relations chairperson is one of the most important--and rewarding-jobs in Kiwanis. Here are some of the "little things" you should insist on:
•Thank-you letters for
speakers and those who contribute time, effort, or
money to Kiwanis activities. Present a token of appreciation,
if appropriate. Certificates, coffee mugs, coasters,
or other small gifts with your club name are a way
of saying thanks and promoting your club. (Go to the
Kiwanis Family Store for available items or call 800-KIWANIS,
Ext. 411.)
•Public expressions of appreciation to local news people
for the help they render through their columns and
broadcasts.
•Invitations to editors, station managers, mayors,
school superintendents, and other public officials
to visit Kiwanis meetings and get acquainted with your
members.
•Letters of congratulations to newly elected leaders
of other service, civic, religious, and community groups.
•Letters of appreciation to public officials who perform
their duties in an outstanding manner.
•Kiwanis support to worthy community efforts such as
the Red Cross, blood bank, Salvation Army shelter,
etc.
•Hospitality to every guest, whether Kiwanian, civic
official, or reporter, who attends a Kiwanis meeting
or event.
•Kiwanis representation on important civic bodies such
as the chamber of commerce, school board, Community
Chest, etc.
•Maintaining Kiwanis road signs as well as signs designating
the club's meeting place.
Every Kiwanis service project constitutes good public relations, whether it is publicized or not. In fact, publicity may not be desirable for some projects, when public notice might be embarrassing to recipients of Kiwanis' helping hand. However, no Kiwanis club can long maintain its reputation without a real commitment to community service. After all, what we do speaks louder than what we say-and what Kiwanis does is service.
