Promoting your Club
Promoting Rotary to the public is essential for raising awareness about its mission and increasing its impact in communities. There are simple and elaborate ways to promote Rotary. Your Club needs to workout what is right for them:
Simple Ways:
-
Wear Rotary Gear: Wear Rotary pins, clothing, or accessories regularly. This simple act can spark conversations and provide opportunities to share information about Rotary.
-
Share Rotary Stories: Share stories about Rotary's impact on social media, during casual conversations, or in community gatherings. Personal stories resonate and help people connect emotionally with the organization.
-
Use Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to share Rotary events, projects, and achievements. Engage with followers, use relevant hashtags, and encourage others to share Rotary content.
-
Network at Local Events: Attend local community events and network with people. Use these opportunities to talk about Rotary and its contributions to community development.
-
Participate in Community Service: Engage in visible community service projects wearing Rotary gear. This not only helps the community but also showcases Rotary's commitment to service.
Elaborate Ways:
-
Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Plan and execute integrated marketing campaigns that include online and offline elements. This could involve digital advertising, print materials, and community events.
-
Community Workshops and Seminars: Organize workshops or seminars on topics relevant to your community. This positions Rotary as a thought leader and engages the public in meaningful conversations.
-
Collaborate with Local Media: Build relationships with local media outlets. Offer to provide stories, interviews, or guest articles related to Rotary's initiatives and impact.
-
Create Promotional Materials: Develop brochures, flyers, and other promotional materials that succinctly explain Rotary's mission and its local contributions. Distribute these materials strategically.
-
Public Speaking Engagements: Arrange for Rotary members to speak at local events, conferences, or schools. This helps in reaching diverse audiences and establishing Rotary as a community partner.
-
Utilize Online Platforms: Develop and maintain a user-friendly Rotary website. Use social media platforms effectively, considering targeted advertising and engagement strategies.
-
Participate in Global Initiatives: Connect local Rotary initiatives with global campaigns. This can create a sense of belonging to a larger, worldwide community dedicated to positive change.
-
Engage with Influencers: Identify and engage with local influencers or community leaders who may be interested in supporting Rotary. Their endorsement can significantly amplify Rotary's reach.
-
Host Open Events: Organize open events where the public can learn more about Rotary, meet members, and understand the organization's impact. This could be a Rotary fair or an open house event.
-
Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with educational institutions to promote Rotary values and initiatives. This can include guest lectures, workshops, or student involvement in Rotary projects.
Remember, a combination of simple and elaborate strategies can create a comprehensive approach to promoting Rotary. The key is consistency and a genuine commitment to sharing Rotary's positive impact on communities.
Resources & reference
- Lead Your Club: Public Relations Committee
- Media Crisis Handbook
- Rotary fact sheet
- What’s Rotary wallet cards
- Impact Begins With Your brochure
- RI Visual Identity Guide
- "Global Outlook: A Rotarian’s Guide to Advocacy for Polio Eradication"
- End Polio Now website
- Use the correct branding: Visit the Rotary Brand Centre