Public relations for districts

P ublic relations is the responsibility of all Rotarians, who are representatives of Rotary in their communities. Districts can help clubs by encouraging them to work together on PR projects and promoting the use of PR resources from RI. The district public relations committee fosters support for the organization and promotes Rotary among external audiences such as the media, community leaders, and program beneficiaries. In addition, the committee may work with potential volunteers, donors, and prospective Rotary club members at the local level.

Creating a district website

A district website helps Rotary clubs locate district information and resources and provides an example of how clubs can promote Rotary online. To be effective, district websites should be used to promote the district’s local and global humanitarian projects to the general public. Websites can also advertise district events and news and promote RI resources and events among Rotary clubs. District websites also help connect members and the general public to Rotary’s social networking sites and spread RI News via RSS feeds. Learn more about best practices for website design, and download Rotary graphics and web ads to use on your district's website.

Encouraging clubs to use PR resources

RI provides a host of resources to help districts and their clubs promote Rotary in their communities through the PR section of the RI website. It also offers support to newcomers to the world of public relations with tips on PR writing and how to best work with the media. Districts should also encourage members to subscribe to RI's e-newsletter Rotary PR Tips, which contains free content for Rotary leaders on best practices to promote Rotary in their communities.

Visit Rotary’s Media Center to view and download multimedia content including broadcast quality video, high resolution print images, radio-ready announcements, and link to Rotary’s social media accounts. Share the link to the media center (www.rotary.org/mediacenter) with other district leaders, PR committee members, and the local media.

It is essential that district leaders understand the PR resources available to help clubs promote Rotary locally. Contact your Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) for questions about customizing these materials.

Applying for PR Grants

Public relations grants help districts promote Rotary to the general public and enhance Rotary’s public image, part of the RI Strategic Plan. RI has awarded more than US$6 million in PR grants worldwide and received more than $31 million in complementary in-kind public relations and advertising space, indicating a strong return on Rotary’s investment at the district level. Grants are awarded to districts on a competitive basis. Learn more about PR Grants and download an application at www.rotary.org/prgrants.