Page 82 - RY2020-21 Handbook Rotary District 3300

DISTRICT PUBLIC IMAGE COMMITTEE

Rotary has the image of being an elite club for the rich and successful. This image has deterred qualified people from joining clubs. There is an urgent need to correct this
image for the growth of Rotary in Malaysia.
Vision
To correct the public image of Rotary in Malaysia as an international humanitarian and service organization and to significantly
improve the image of Rotary.
Plan
a. Clubs and the district should avoid where possible, “cheque presentation” type publicity. Instead, clubs are encouraged to seekpublicity for hands-on projects.
b. The District Public Image Committee should:
i. play a greater role as the district’s principal media liaison to disseminate Rotary publicity, especially on behalf of smaller clubs.
ii. appoint a sub-committee each year to monitor the progress made in improving Rotary’s public image in the district and to modify
its strategies when necessary so as to ensure that the long-term objective is achieved;
iii. conduct public relations and publicity seminars to educate Rotarians;
iv. assist clubs, where necessary, to prepare press releases for distribution to the media.
c. The district leadership should identify a distinctive project which enhances Rotary’s image and in which all clubs can be involved.
District Public Image Committee
1. Purpose:
The District Public Image Committee should promote Rotary to external audiences and foster understanding, appreciation and support for the programs of Rotary. The
committee should promote awareness among Rotarians that effective external publicity, favorable public relations and a positive image are desirable and essential goals for
Rotary.
2. Qualifications of members:
· should be members with experience as a Club Public Image Chair.
· should be given to media, public relations or marketing skills as a component of their vocation or profession.
3. Duties and responsibilities:
· Encourage Rotary clubs to make Public Image a priority.
· Promote Rotary to external audiences, such as the media, community leaders, and beneficiaries of Rotary’s programs.
· Contact the media with newsworthy stories of district projects and events.
· Keep in touch with the governor and the chairs of key committees to stay informed about district projects and activities.
· Share RI public image materials with clubs.
· Seek opportunities to speak to individual clubs about the importance of club public image.
· Attendance at public image workshops held in conjunction with RI meetings, whenever possible

RY2020-21 District Handbook 82