PRECA 03-03-1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ 5. Publicity Begin a publicity campaign even before the gifts catalog has reached the design stage. Take every opportunity to get the word out early and often on the gifts catalog. A pre-publication publicity campaign might make use of free public service announcements on radio and television. What's more, the ,problems facing recreation agencies, con- servation organizations, and historic preser- vation groups are newsworthy. Cultivate your contacts with members of the working press. They value recreation, history, and conservation, too. 9 Approach the outdoor advertising industry for donated billboard space. Maybe a cryptic billboard proclaiming "The Park Gifts Catalog is Coming!" would stir up some interest ahead of publication. ~~ ~~ Arrange a kick-off event. Involve some personalities in town to parti- cipate in a community bash designated to focus attention on the gifts catalog. Prearrange a few gifts to be announced at the kick-off--nothing creates momentum like early success. Crucial to the success of the lifts catalog is the period immediately following its distribution. If the catalog has not by then become a household concept, it should during this period. A publicity car.~paign is like a political campaign--speaking opportunities should be energetically sought. Sneaking engagements before church or school groups, service clubs, and chambers of commerce can help lay the groundwork and brine in large cash contributions. The idea is to get peo- ple thinking about your needs and what they can do to help. As time goes by, don't let the catalog drop from sight. Systematize an on-going publicity effort for it. A one-page flyer, updating progress in attaining agency or organization goals as a result of gifts catalog giving and presenting new gift needs might serve to keep the ~ataloy before the public. So might a regular feature in the local ne..spaper's "community scene" section. The City Council or Soard of Supervisors might be encouraged to provide newsworthy recognition through the presentation of certificates of appreciation or public ceremonial dedications of various gift items. Monthly or quarterly "Thank-You-For-Giving" events might keep the ball rolling, too. Use your contacts in the community to announce the gifts catalog at well-attended events throughout the year. ~ \ ` ,y~ ~ w ~.