Guidelines for societies
on publicity and the media
We would all like to better publicise the hobby and our society.
How can we do it? Here are some thoughts.
Society publicity officer. The society needs a publicity officer whose job is simply to cultivate and inform relevant local contacts on a regular basis, say once a month or every couple of months. Most societies don't do anything about publicity for months at a time and then find they don't know who they should be contacting at the local paper or radio station. Publicity is more efficiently and easily achieved on an on-going basis.
Radio community notice boards. Almost all local radio stations have community notice boards. Normally it costs nothing to use them. Get to the station about ten days before any public meeting you want to publicise. Have the information you want broadcast clearly headed FOR COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD and typed out or written in capitals. Put at the bottom (if relevant of course!) NO CHARGE - ALL WELCOME. It is well worth the effort to do this on a regular basis. At worst your society will be seen to be active and you get on-going free publicity. If you are lucky potential new members will turn up at your meetings.
Public notice boards. Most local supermarkets, Citizens Advice Bureau and public libraries have public notice boards. The local Post Shop may also be supportive. An A4 sheet with a blown up example of a stamp to catch the eye and information about society meetings and membership can be posted from time to time. Don't leave it up long enough to get tatty and dog-eared.
Notable achievements by members. If a local member is given life membership of your society or receives a Federation of Royal Philatelic Society or some other kind of national award don't just circulate the information to your members internally - see that the local paper knows about it as soon as you do. If possible supply a copy of any citation and a photocopy of some interesting item the individual collects.
Promotion of stamp activities. During stamp months each year most newspapers would be happy to include a substantial column on stamp collecting aimed at children. Try and track down a sympathetic reporter the previous month. If you can come up with a drawing to colour in and/or a quiz with answers they will often be well received. Add in information on activities planned for the month. Try first your local giveaway paper to see if it would be interest in doing something - after all it gets to every household.