Public relations is essential to Rotary’s future. It informs communities around the world that Rotary is a credible organization that meets real needs. It also motivates Rotarians to be active members in their club and district. Every Rotary club should develop and execute a successful public relations plan to be effective in the community. The plan can take many forms, from promotion of a visiting Youth Exchange student in the club bulletin to newspaper coverage of an interesting club project.
Responsibilities
As president-elect, you have the following public relations responsibilities:
• Appointing and meeting with your club public relations committee
• Reviewing your club’s current public relations initiatives, using the Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs (appendix I)
• Setting public relations goals, using the Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs
• Ensuring that your club is planning projects and activities that will attract positive media attention As president, you have the following Public relations responsibilities:
• Serving as the club spokesperson when working with the media, or identifying a fellow club member to serve as spokesperson
• Providing regular updates to business and civic leaders, young people, and other organizations on Rotary’s mission and the club’s community efforts
• Ensuring that every club member is fully informed about Rotary’s history, the Object of Rotary, and Rotary programs and activities
• Cultivating relationships with local media representatives
• Encouraging club members to seek opportunities to further the aims and accomplishments of Rotary through personal, business, and professional contacts.
• Seeking publicity for successful service projects or other activities that illustrate Rotary’s mission and accomplishments Through effective public relations.
• Gain support and resources for projects
• Build links with other community organizations
• Attract qualified members
• Recognize Rotary members for their contributions to their community
• Correct misconceptions in the community about your club and Rotary

Public Relations Committee
The club public relations committee should develop and execute a plan to inform the public about Rotary and promote your club’s service projects and activities. As the main spokesperson for your club, you will help implement and continuously evaluate your club’s public relations plan. Include the public relations committee as one of the five standing committees of your club. Your club may amend its bylaws to reflect the specific responsibilities of this committee, adding subcommittees as needed. When appointing your club public relations committee, select Rotarians who are articulate and knowledgeable about Rotary International and your club. Choose a committee chair who has professional public relations or media experience and is familiar working with the local media. Your club public relations committee has the following responsibilities:
• Achieving club public relations goals for the coming year (see the Public Relations section of the Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs)
• Familiarizing themselves with RI resources
• Creating awareness of club activities among club members, media, and the general public
• Enhancing projects and activities to make them more appealing to the media
• Helping to create a public image conducive to membership development.