Rotary in the news

British news outlet the Guardian recently recognized Rotary's commitment to ending polio by covering a National Immunization Day in India. The story highlights the efforts of British and Indian Rotarians and includes a photo gallery by photojournalist Jean-Marc Giboux. Read the full article.

Concert to End Polio a Rotary success

Help raise awareness of Rotary by promoting the news that the Concert to End Polio, held 2 December, raised more than $100,000 toward Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge. Start by adding this short video to your club's or district's Web site or blog, then consider posting the story on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Continue promoting the video through an e-mail to your club or district. Have another idea? Send your tip to pr@rotary.org. Read more about the concert.

Social media trends in 2010

This year, the mainstream news media embraced social media, and Rotary clubs and districts demonstrated that they're comfortable using it, that it can provide great marketing, and that it can serve as an effective communication tool for reaching out to potential new members. With 2010 around the corner, social media predictions abound. Read about how social media will change in the next year.

Start the new year by writing better headlines

Your headlines matter. They are the words that make someone want (or not want) to read your Rotary story. When you send a press release about your club's efforts to local news outlets, does your headline catch their attention? Read more about writing better headlines.

January is Rotary Awareness Month

Because January is Rotary Awareness Month, it's a great time to reflect on what it means to be a Rotarian. Rotary's strength lies in the more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas, and this an opportunity to make sure your community knows who you are and what you do. Consider these tips during Rotary Awareness Month:

*Share your club's Web site or blog through an electronic news release highlighting Rotary Awareness Month.                           *Invite a journalist, media professional, friend, or co-worker to an upcoming club meeting.                                                      *Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about your club's community and international humanitarian efforts.                   *Coordinate a community service project with another local organization.Purchase or download the RI publications This Is Rotary, What's Rotary?, or Rotary Basics, and distribute them at key locations throughout your community.

Social Media Corner