Carol Anne Costa, PHM JHA carolannecosta@gmail.com PR Public Relations, Advocacy, Social Media & Media Relations Boot Camp PHA s
What is PR? It is the business of creating goodwill toward an individual, business, company, association or product. The art and science of establishing a favorable image to the general public, consumers, government, media, competitors, investors, and employees. Entrepreneur.com defines public relations purely in terms of publicity work, describing PR as "Using the news or business press to carry positive stories about your organization; cultivating a good relationship with local press representatives"
What does it do? Informs key audience and stakeholders about the agency (Public Housing Authorities) Influences decision makers (Elected Officials, residents, Commissioners, collaborators) Shapes public opinion Builds constituency support (your own residents)
WHY does an HA need PR? I am a publically funded non profit agency!
That is precisely why You need funding from DC & You are prohibited from lobbying Which means
Because you need funding and
And DC LIVES ON..
And you have large voting block of residents and. Wonderful stories. Powerful partnerships
You need to educate and advocate Key ingredients in effective advocacy: Message Stories Plain Language (avoid HUD speak when speaking to regular folks it scares them) Media relationships Community partnerships Social media presence A desire to help the advocacy efforts in advance of the annual legislative conference (THIS HELPS EVERYONE)
Ask yourself these questions: Do you or a key staffer have a relationship with your Federal Delegation, State Representative/Senator or local Mayor, Town Manger and/or Town Council? Do you or a key staffer have a relationship with the local news editor(s) Do you have a social media presence? FB, Twitter, Google + etc
Okay everyone, breathe! Lets talk briefly about BAD PR It is always good to know WHAT NOT to do!
Let us refresh what bad PR, messaging and Optics look and sound like. Remember BP and the Gulf oil spill/gusher? Who could forget What NOT TO SAY
What you say can last a very long time The New York Times reported that Hayward said to fellow BP executives, "What the hell did we do to deserve this?" "I want my life back" Tony Hayward BP Chief IMAGES LAST FOREVER Really?
Agassi said it all. Image is EVERYTHING
And together HA s can change the narrative and blunt the negatives Which have plagued public housing for decades. My motto The Glass is half full
Let s get to work. The first thing you need is
How do I start? You need a tool box
Generic PR skills and strategies to develop News release vs. News advisory Get to know your local reporters both on line and print Develop a crisis communication plan LOGO? Annual report Learn to write an op ed or letter to the editor Know deadlines In order to run a successful PR campaign or event Know your audience and get it out
The secret to successful relationship building with local partners is.. Coffee and good news releases!
ADVISORY News Advisory From: Public Housing Association of RI (PHARI) Contact: Jim Reed, PHARI President Date: 10 9 2012 RI s Congressional Delegation to Gather to Celebrate Housing America Month To be Joined by HUD, NAHRO, Local Housing Officials and Hundreds of Residents In what promises to be a nationally and regionally heralded Housing America event, RI s most powerful voices in public housing are planning a robust day at the Johnston Senior Center. On October 12, 2012 between 11AM and 1PM over 200 residents of public housing will be joined in a celebration and showcase of the accomplishments, endeavors and needs of RI s Housing community.
Release News from Bristol Housing Authority Contact: Carol Anne Costa 401.378.0817 or Candy Pansa 401 245 4464 February 10, 2012 Bristol Housing Kicks Butt BHA Goes Non Smoking February 10, 2012, Bristol, RI The Bristol Housing Authority has established a no smoking policy for its facilities. On February 9, 2012 the BHA Board of commissioners approved the policy which will take effect on March 1, 2012.
Know your Locals.. What is your local paper? Is it free or paid? Who is the reporter? Do you have a local Patch? Have you secured your: Domain name? Your on line listing? Do you have a FB Page? A Twitter Feed? A Constant Contact account? Do you belong to your Local Chamber?
Samples FB Cover
Tweets
Products: Facebook Twitter Constant Contact FLICKR PIXLR EXPRESS Blogspot Word Press Search engines Industry resources Government web sites Google Chrome App Store
3 months until the Legislative Conference It is time to mobilize! Public Housing depends on it!
Results of not understanding and using PR strategies. is costly In money (funding) and trust Carol Anne Costa 401 378 0817 carolannecosta@gmail.com
Tell me what to say, but don t tell me what to say! Big Fat Greek Wedding, Aunt Voula, Good Advice, Aunt Voula. Why you ask. It is ok to seek help.