October 2015
Vol 13 # 10
In this issue:
Skywarn article in Boston Globe
Positive PR - Library Donation
Press Release Distribution Tips
Skywarn article in Boston Globe
The SKYWARN program received some good visibility from the Boston Globe over the weekend. Those involved in SKYWARN will certainly recognize the main person interviewed: Rob Macedo, KD1CY. Nice job, Rob!
Positive PR - Library Donation
Creative approaches to establishing relationships in your community can create good PR opportunities. As an example, the Pamlico Amateur Radio Society, N4PRS, in North Carolina, recently donated ARRL License Manuals to each of the libraries in their area. This creates a relationship with key areas of your community, and could help increase the number of licensed amateurs, as well. In this photo, Pamlico County Community College Library employees Barbara Clayton (l) and Electra Krelie (r.) accepted the ARRL Technician License Manual from PARS member Greg Wadsworth, KM4DZM (c). Well done, and thanks to ARRL North Carolina PIO Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE for the tip.
Nominations are being accepted for the 2015 ARRL Bill Leonard Award. This award gives reocginition to professional journalitsts who did a great job of promoting Amateur Radio in their work. We've had some excellent recipients recently; let's keep that string going! You can find complete details online. The submission deadline is Friday, December 4.
It is always a pleasure to welcome new PIOs and PICs to ARRL. Thanks for coming on board!
New PIO’s
Indiana: Rusty Kirts, N9LLP
Mississippi: Clifford Mitchell, KE7BUD
South Texas:Russell Richter, WP2AHG
West Central Florida: Thomas Ryan, K4KH
New PIC:
Kentucky: Gregory T. Lamb, W4TSA
Press Release Distribution Tips
Last month, I included a link to how to write a press release that was, in essence, written as a news item, so it coud be included in a media stream without editing by the media outlet's staff. This month, I'll include this tidbit from HowToCreateAPressRelease.com on how to effectively distribute your press release for maximum exposure.
In case you've missed it before, FEMA offers a class on effective use of social media and emergency management. Well worth your time to take this class.
I really enjoyed hearing about Pamlico ARC donating books to local libraries. It stresses some of the points that I've made earlier in this newsletter; the need to reach out to your communities in ways other than providing communications, like this club programming weather radios for their town's residents last year.
Being a part of your community means raising your visibility, of course, but also in learning what needs are going unmet by others. Like the Pumpkin Patrol in Onandanga County, New York. We all have a lot to offer; as communicators, we need to take the time to listen for what is being requested.There are dozens of needs in your community going unmet; just because it may not involve radio doesn't mean it won't benefit your group.
Drop me an email and tell me what your group is doing to raise visibility in your community. I'd love to hear some of your success stories.
Thanks for all you do.
Sean Kutzko, KX9X
Media and Public Relations Manager
