Successful public relations and professional communications promote GFWC clubs, districts, states, regions, as well as the national organization. It is important to publicize our clubs’ projects in order to let the public know we are and the impact we make in our local communities. Many platforms can be used to raise awareness, enlist community support, recruit new members and form partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
Engaged members are more satisfied, will see more value in their membership, and will participate in more activities. But how do you create an experience that’s truly meaningful to your members? Create a COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY. How you shape the content will educate, inform, and inspire current members as well as potential NEW members. Executed properly, a good membership communications strategy will also help you RETAIN members.
The short answer is we need to engage to gain trust in our clubs. Communications and Public Relations are necessary to keep our club’s viable. When we engage with our community, we not only educate others about our great volunteer projects, but we also open doors to new members who want to volunteer in their community, to retain our members, to collaborate with other organizations, to share new project opportunities, and fundraise for our projects.
Trust in your club is important because each of these groups are much more willing to engage with us if they understand what we do and why. Businesses that see the good in what we do are more willing to donate or host a donation bin if they see the value in our projects. Women that are volunteer oriented are more willing to join and take part if they see the value of volunteering in our clubs. Community leaders are more likely to engage in a meaningful way if they understand the work that we do. Members are excited about the good they bring to their communities, and your club is healthier with the trust you have built.
Start with a plan. Think about what each group in your local area needs to learn and hear from your club. Then plan how to reach each group in your community in a professional yet approachable way. Successful public relations and professional communication plans promote your club, districts, states, regions, as well as the national organization. Each have Benefits of Belonging and we are Better Together!
