Helping the organizations that help our communities
Helping the organizations that help our communities
Five things to know about PR Paid Forward 2021
Emerging from the world-wide pandemic will be a challenge for many non-profit organizations and their PR strategies will need to reflect the changing times.
PR Paid Forward has had great success in the past two years helping the organizations that help our communities. The Community Outreach Committee is excited to bring back the program in 2021. PR pros at all levels and disciplines can volunteer.
The program is an opportunity for PRSA Colorado members to lend our expertise to non-profits around the metro area. Non-profits are asked to submit their most pressing PR/communications challenge (by July 15), and PR pros will be matched with those organizations to consult on how to tackle their challenges.
Here are five things to know about the program.
1. Getting involved: This is an effort by professional communicators to provide pro-bono help and expertise to community nonprofit organizations. PR pros will be matched with non-profit organizations based on their needs and your expertise – for example, messaging, fundraising, social media, crisis management and media relations. Together pros and non-profits will brainstorm ways to keep the spotlight on the much-needed community programs.
Sign up here and invite non-profits you know to apply here. Tell all your PR friends about the program.
2. Setting expectations: Once paired with a non-profit organization, set up a call. Ask them about their biggest need. Get concrete details on what the non-profit wants to accomplish. Be clear about expectations. The PR pro’s role is to provide consulting, help outline strategies and suggest timelines. Outline deliverables so there is no confusion from the non-profits about the work you are providing. The role should not be to write press releases or social messages, rather provide a strategy and timeline on how to execute the PR plan.
3. Working with a PR pro partner: PRSA pros will be paired - ideally one pro with several years of experience would be paired with a junior pro new to the profession. Once paired, make an introduction ahead of the meeting with the non-profit. Set your own expectations of each other, goals and timelines. It will be important to be on the same page for the non-profits and will help with managing your time and expectations of each other.
4.Setting a timeline: We expect the entire process to take place in three to five hours total including a phone call and meeting with PRSA volunteers. PR pros and non-profits will meet in September and October.
5. Putting work into action: Leave the non-profit with a clear, uncomplicated action plan for the strategies you helped design.
This is a great program if you are looking to be more involved with the community! For more information:
Sign up here and invite non-profits you know to apply here. Tell all your PR friends about the program!
