Since I am currently a student studying nonprofit organizations, I have a keen interest in how I am going to integrate my current public relations career into the world of nonprofits that I hope to enter into.
Most of my regular readers know that I am big supporter of the environment, and those practices which aim to conserve the natural resources we have left. I am not a crazy activist but I do what I can to spread the “save our planet” message. (my almost-hippie parents would be so proud)
So how does this all tie in to public relations? Well I am learning all about the ins and outs of nonprofits in school and one of our recent assignments is to evaluate different nonprofit organizations with the intention being to take the best examples and design and start a nonprofit of our choosing. How fun is that?
Well actually it is a lot of hard work, but my professor is great and has provided so many helpful resources that the work is really fun.
One of our discussions in class is how to get your name out there, and draw a crowd to your new nonprofit. Some organizations are really great at this and others not so much. Making a name means money for your chosen cause so it is a really important aspect of running a nonprofit. I am ecstatic that I finally am getting to really use my PR skills for something I am really passionate about. (rather than to help fill the already overflowing coffers of so many corporations with multi-million dollar PR firms, slick ads and money to burn)
Here are a few ways the nonprofit sector is getting public relations right.
1. Have a great newsletter - You may choose to print it and mail it or if that is to cost prohibitive, you can do a fun e-newsletter . The point is you need to have regular contact with your members (i.e. the people who send you money and support).
2. Utilize monthly promotions - photo contests, ask a “specialist” or other interactive promotions help you to get involved with your audience. People love to see their comments/artwork/photos in print and will be much more loyal readers if they feel they are a part of an organization that cares and makes an effort to value reader contributions.
3. Make great media contacts - the way to keep your name out there is to make some great contacts and then keep them updated about everything you do. Then, be available when they need you. (This means get back to them on their schedule not yours!) Whether it your next fundraising drive or your contribution to the town’s fall festival, you want to be seen by the community. A great journalist, editor or free-lance writer can make that happen if you put a little effort into the relationship.
4. Get a grip on social media - blogging, Youtube and other social media outlets are “what’s next” and any business or nonprofit that doesn’t grab hold and use those resources is lagging behind. More and more people are online and getting their news and information as well as building their networks outside of the brick and mortar confines. Don’t get left behind. If you need help there are a ton of resources out there to get the average nonprofit industry off the ground whether you need help blogging or navigating the social network world.
Got tips for the up and coming non-profit public relations pro? Have I left out anything important? Leave a comment or send me an email now.
