Jackson County 4-H

Jackson County 4-H Public Relations Plan

Goal #1- Improve visibility of 4-H in the community and position 4-H as an organization relevant to young people today.

Objective: At least 50% of the community will actually be able to identify activities that 4-H does in the community and know it is active in the community.

Strategy 1: Launch a public relations campaign to increase 4-H visibility in the community and attract new members.

. Tactic 1: Design a campaign using national 4-H art and distribute materials (flyers, brochures) . Tactic 2: Buy an add in the Chamber of Commerce Directory . Tactic 3: Send a short blurb and camera-ready logo to 5 civic organizations and at least 20 churches that have newsletters or bulletins. Follow- up with a phone call and send thank you notes to those who run it. . Tactic 4: During National 4-H Week, buy ½ page of newspaper and run a 4- H information page. . Tactic 5: During National 4-H Week, do a resolution with the County Commissioners recognizing the educational opportunities available from 4-H. . Tactic 6: During National 4-H Week, set up a 4-H display in at least 3 school libraries and at the county library. . Tactic 6: Participate in the homecoming parade and/or Christmas parade . Tactic 7: Participate in at least 3 community fairs or festivals (Jackson County Fair, Fine Swine and Dine, and ?)

Strategy 2: Establish a relationship with the news media that is beneficial to the county 4-H program and informs more of the public about 4-H.

. Tactic 1: Send at least 2 news releases per month to the local newspaper and radio stations. Follow them up with a phone call from a 4-Her, and send a thank-you note signed by 4-Hers. . Tactic 2: Send at least 2 photos per month to the local newspaper for inclusion in the community interest section. . Tactic 3: Do at least one television spot per month with Channel 4. . Tactic 4: Send at least one press release to the television news stations per month, highlighting upcoming programs (camps, Ag Adventures, Tropicana, workshops, etc).

Strategy 3: Connect 4-H with other youth organizations and position 4-H as active with these other organizations.

. Tactic 1: Call the other youth organizations and find out what type of forums exist for youth organization professionals to talk, share, and collaborate. If no networking roundtable exists, then set up one. . Tactic 2: Plan a service project around National Youth Service Day and Make a Difference Day. Issue a combined press release listing all of the organizations and activities for these dates. . Tactic 3: Set up an email list serve for the communication with roundtable members. Periodically issue a press release. Make sure we have an agreed upon set of message points.

Goal #2: Recruit 20 new adult volunteers for the county 4-H program who will lead 10 new 4-H clubs.

Strategy 1: Inform more potential adult volunteers about 4-H.

. Tactic 1: Use the state 4-H volunteer recruitment campaign. Release the PSA to radio and cable and distribute brochures at local businesses, libraries, and county displays. . Tactic 2: Speak to the PTA. Invite an outstanding 4-H Alumni to speak about what 4-H did for him/her. . Tactic 3: Get a listing for volunteers under a web site for volunteers. . Tactic 4: Get a listing under volunteer opportunities on the local cable channel . Tactic 5: Send out at least 6 press releases per year discussing the need for volunteers in the 4-H program. Tie into America’s Promise and the need for positive adult role models for youth.

Strategy 2: Highlight the benefits of volunteering with 4-h to the community and make your current volunteers feel proud of volunteering.

. Tactic 1: Try to get media coverage of an outstanding volunteer and mention the need for more volunteers to work with young people. . Tactic 2: Recognize our volunteer of the year in the special Floridan volunteer issue in April. . Tactic 3: Launch a volunteer campaign during National Volunteer Week, and honor our volunteers that week too with a small gift or card signed by 4-hers. . Tactic 4: Showcase a mentoring story to the community. Have an essay contest asking 4-Hers to nominate a volunteer by writing about the positive impact he/she has had on their life. The essay can be published in the newspaper. . Tactic 5: Collect quotes about why people volunteer with 4-H and place them on our website, brochure, and displays. Goal #3: Communicate effectively to 4-H youth, parents, and volunteers the activities in your 4-H program. Achieve an 85% customer satisfaction rating.

Strategy 1: Produce an informing county 4-H newsletter that is mailed on a monthly basis to 4-h families and volunteers. Make the newsletter fun for youth to read.

. Tactic 1: Feature a club each month. . Tactic 2: Add a section for youth to provide an answer to a question and publish their picture. . Tactic 3: Put photos of youth and parents in the newsletter every month. Try to have photos depict diversity. . Tactic 4: Put the most exciting news on the front page . Tactic 5: Highlight a volunteer each month. . Tactic 6: Have a fun page with puzzles- offer prizes for the 1st person that solves the puzzle. . Tactic 7: Feature a 4-H and families corner with ideas for bringing families together (recipe, craft idea, etc). . Tactic 8: Have a calendar that is up-to-date and accurate, complete with times and locations. . Tactic 9: Have a contest or scholarship corner

Strategy 2: Create a web site that is informative for 4-H youth and adults . Tactic 1: Update calendar monthly . Tactic 2: Archive press releases and newsletters . Tactic 3: Put photos of 4-Hers on the website . Tactic 4: Make sure fliers and brochures for upcoming events are updated and available in plenty of time. . Tactic 5: Make sure there are interesting links.

Goal #4: Revitalize school enrichment programs. Have at least 6 schools participate in 2 or more school enrichment activities.

Strategy 1: Contact schools locally (public and private)

. Tactic 1: Mail a letter to school principals and guidance counselors listing 4- H school enrichment programs that are available. . Tactic 2: Approach teachers about 4-H school enrichment programs- mail them a brochure. . Tactic 3: Offer at least one teacher inservice each year about incorporating 4-H/how to use 4-H to achieve SSS. . Tactic 4: Pick one school enrichment program to really promote to teachers each year. 2005: Tropicana. Strategy 2: Highlight school enrichment by local schools

. Tactic 1: Update web site with school enrichment news and photos . Tactic 2: Have one article on the website highlighting a successful school enrichment program. . Tactic 3: Distribute press releases and photos about school enrichment programs to the media. Place at least 3 photographs in the community