Creating a Sponsorship Recognition Package Can Work Both Ways (Part 2)

Rotary Park overlooks this dynamic city scape
in Calgary, Alberta

 Written by Robyn T. Braley

Creating a recognition strategy for sponsorship may require creativity and imagination. Or, it can be simple and straightforward. 

Each sponsorship is unique because each sponsor has different reasons for becoming a sponsor. In Part I, Unleash the Power of Sponsorship for Your Service Club, I gave examples of the varied motives that drove different organizations to use sponsorship to achieve public relations, advertising philanthropic or other goals.

Sponsorship can be used by Rotary Clubs in two different ways. First, your club may be the major funder of a project or event. You may be the title, or name sponsor, or a cosponsor. 

Or, your club may be developing a project or event that needs funding partners to help make it possible. You will need to provide recognition options to acknowledge their participation. 

Why Sponsors Sponsor 

My friend and colleague, Brent Barootes, is a sponsorship specialist. He makes the point that there is no one way to build a sponsorship acknowledgement and recognition program. He can list 30+ reasons why sponsors sponsor.

Pitching a News Story Requires a Well Crafted Media Release. Why? Tips!

Dr. Bob Scott (Polio Plus) Interview with CTV

If you have ever pitched a story to the media, the first thing you will be asked is to send your story in writing. 

You must send a document that will get their attention and then draw them into the story potential.

Media specialists do not differentiate between mainstream, online or social media. When we do story placement campaigns, all media forms are automatically included in our strategies.

Let’s clarify meaning. A release should be called a “news” or “media” release, not a “press” release. The term “press” dates you and is not relevant today.

Crafting for Success

The purpose of a release is to generate TV, Radio and newspaper stories. But, there is more! It must also accommodate online distribution. A media release must be formatted for posting on websites, blogsites and online newsites.  

How do you Create a Rotary Media Event? It’s all in the Details!

 (LR) Greg Weadick, Betty Screpnek 
Pat Killoran, Dr. Bob Scott

Written by Robyn T. Braley

May and June are exciting months for Rotary. This is a time for planning the new year led by an exciting new President and group of directors.

The group tasked with raising the profile of the club is usually the PR Committee. Younger members bring new ideas involving social media to creating awareness within the community.

In April, 2014, we used traditional and digital media to let the world know that Alberta Rotarians had triggered $2.1 million dollars in funding for polio eradication. Our District 5360 Conference was used to stage an event which produced world-wide circulation.