[ARRL-OK] PR101

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

PR101

There are many groups and clubs that are out doing fun and exciting things,
as well some great public service events. But the Amateur Radio story is not
being told. Not told to other hams within the groups, and not being told to
the public. So how do you got this word out? One way is with your club's or
group's newsletter of course.

Newsletters are a powerful PR tool and a great way to keep your group
informed of local happenings. Good newsletters include information on the
club's or group's latest news, announcements of upcoming events, public
service events, local VE testing locations, area hamfest dates and info, as
well as the contact information for the club or group. Photos with captions
(including first and last names, and amateur call sign of all in the photos)
are always a nice touch and can do much to interest the non-ham in reading
the newsletter. FYI: make sure to get permission to publish the photos in
the newsletter of anyone photographed. And especially you must have
permission from the parent of any child photographed for the newsletter.

In addition to sending your newsletter to all the members of your group, it'
s a good idea to send a copy to the local media, government officials, and
any agency that your group may service (i.e. The Salvation Army, local
National Weather Service office, local emergency manager, your mayor, etc.).

With the aid of a computer and some software (such as MS-Publisher, retail
less than $150), you can easily create a very sharp looking newsletter. Add
Adobe PDF writer to your software and you will be able to e-mail your
newsletter and save the cost of the stamps and printing.

I'm adding a little teaser here about an upcoming PR seminar for Amateur
Radio. Here in the Oklahoma Section we plan to hold a half-day seminar. We
really would like all ARRL PIOs, any club officers, newsletter editors, PR
chairpersons, and anyone who may like to be involved in Amateur Radio PR to
attend. Keep watching this newsletter for more info or also the ARRL
Oklahoma Section's web page at: http://www.remote.arrl.org/sections/OK.html

Want more information about the ARRL PIO program? Contact me or see
http://www.remote.arrl.org/pio/

73's

Mark Conklin, N7XYO
Public Information Coordinator,
ARRL Oklahoma Section
(918) 366-2007 Eve.
(918) 622-6262 Ext. 25 Day
(918) 232-8346 Mobile
1-888-597-1492 Pager
n7xyo@arrl.net e-mail