Public Relations

Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public.

Vice President Public Relations

As Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), you are responsible for coordinating an active public relations (PR) and publicity program in your club. By establishing and maintaining lines of communication between the club and its members, as well as between the club and the public, you will increase awareness of Toastmasters through local news and social media.

Responsibilities:

Protect the Toastmasters brand.
Develop a public relations plan:
- Review and use the PR tools and resources available to you.
- Set goals: Review and evaluate your club's previous PR efforts, current objectives and tactics to reach goals.
- Determine the PR budget for your club’s PR program.
- Create a publicity calendar to determine when and how you will promote your club.
- Indicate the vehicles and tools you will use to attract and connect with fellow members (internal audience) and news media (external audience), including club news releases, websites and social networking sites.
- Communicate Toastmasters’ key messages when writing news releases and while speaking to members, potential members and journalists.
- Be Persistent. Working with the news media takes patience and time. Mondo Times is a great resource for finding local media contacts. Don’t give up.
Collaborate with your club leaders to discuss your PR plan, activities and initiatives.
Monitor status toward your goals. Report progress, activities and news coverage to club and district leaders by email.

The responsibilities listed above are key to your success as a VPPR. It’s also important to know what you are not responsible for, so you can focus on public relations.

Toastmasters International
Logos, Images and Templates

Toastmasters Resources

The above link takes you to the resources you need and can share with members of your club assisting with public relations efforts.
- Business Cards
- Letterhead
- Fliers
- Images
- Clip Art
These are just a few of the items you need to keep your club looking professional.

Special Interest

When using any social media make sure to add photos or videos to enhance the experience.

Designate club members to serve as photographer and post on their social media and the clubs. Meetings and special events.

Don't forget to schedule routine "maintenance" on your clubs website. Make sure information and photos are current. Build this into your planning schedule.

Press Release

Press Release - Open House
File Size:	911 kb
File Type:	doc

Download File

Press Release - Anniversary
File Size:	909 kb
File Type:	doc

Download File

Press Release - Template
File Size:	900 kb
File Type:	doc

Download File

Some famous people were Toastmasters? Yep!
Click here to learn see a list.

District 55 has a Fan Page and a Group. We use the Group as an additional communication platform only for members of Toastmasters. We post events and achievements on our Facebook Group. Encourage your members to join the District 55 Toastmasters Group.

Have your club members "Check In" on their Facebook before a meeting to share with people what they are missing out on and add photos.

Group	Page	Create a Page
District 55 Toastmasters	Toastmasters District 55	Facebook

Media Outlets - Spread the Word

Here is a list of media outlets to spread the word about your club, area, or division activities.

District 55 Meetup is the place to promote club events. It's perfect for club meetings, Open House, Speech Contest, Anniversary or Special Events.

Meetup can be best utilized for open or community clubs. Corporate clubs may want to research it before determining if it will work for their club. Open or community clubs that currently are paying for their own Meetup account need to research the pros and cons of dropping their current account to use the Districts Meetup. Clubs can use both.

Handout - Meetup - Information
See our handout for information on joining Meetup and share it with members of your club and other clubs. (DOC)

Handout - Meetup - Sample Postings
Here are samples of Meetup postings from other Toastmasters Clubs in District 55 and from around the world. Take a look and see how they can help you develop your clubs ability to publicize your unique culture. (DOC)

Slides - Meetup - District 55
Here are some training slides to share with individuals of your club serving on the Public Relations Committee. Specifically focused on the clubs Meetup activities. (PPT)