Public Image
President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson's Resource Groups
T he Public Image Resource Group will support, advise, motivate, and stimulate discussion and disseminate information to districts and clubs. By telling Rotary's success stories to all media, local government officials, communities, and civic leaders, the group will work to enhance Rotary's public image.
Group members will actively help and encourage individual Rotary members, clubs, and districts to develop plans and initiate activities that will enhance the visibility of Rotary in local communities, sharing with the public what Rotary is and what Rotary does.
Emphasis will be given to identifying resources among Rotarians to help implement RI's global image campaign, and to initiate activities that will increase awareness in their local communities.
Celebrate Rotary Day!
Rotary’s Public Image Resource Group encourages Rotary clubs and districts to select a day and highlight Rotary’s involvement in the local – and global – community. The public image resource group recommends Rotary’s “birthday” on 23 February as an ideal date for several reasons. First, as Rotary’s anniversary, 23 February allows clubs and districts a natural day to recognize Rotary’s past, present, and future. Second, the more clubs and districts around the world that celebrate Rotary Day on the same day, the greater the positive impact on Rotary’s public image.
Yet, while publicizing Rotary on its 23 February birthday is ideal, any day can be identified as “Rotary Day” in your community. What is key is to plan a high visibility community service project or event for Rotary Day that helps to communicate what Rotary is and does with your community.
To help Rotary clubs and districts organize a celebration, here are three resources that are available:
100 Ways to Celebrate Rotary Day (PDF)
Select one or many options and tailor your celebration to your community - or come up with your own creative Rotary Day activities. Remember, the idea is to share the Rotary story with the general community, so your celebration efforts should be directed to the community, the media and the general public.
Rotary Day Proclamation
(.doc)
A proclamation is an official recognition of a particular event or day. Often “proclaimed” by a government authority, the day is recorded in the public record and may be announced in such forums as a city council, provincial government or national parliament. This formal recognition also provides a good “newshook” for potential media attention.
This proclamation sample can be tailored and sent to your local community, regional or national government decision-makers asking that a specific date – 23 February or another day – be named Rotary Day and declared an official day in your community.
Celebrate Rotary Day Poster
To help promote the event in your community, two Rotary Day poster designs are available for districts and clubs to use. A graphic designer can modify the blank section or insert local photos. You can also print the poster out as is and write in local event information. The poster is designed so that it can stand alone, if needed.
Rotary Day poster 18" X 24"
Rotary Day poster 11" X 17"
Related Resources