Introduction

Public Relations Planning

Writing a Press Release

Connect Via the Web

Publicizing Your Event

Planning Guide for Events

Developing a Press Kit

Sample Newsletter Article

Sample Bulletin Article

Introduction

What is public relations? And, why is it important to the work of congregational nurses?

Public relations is simply the process that you can use to tell people about your programs, and the benefits that they will receive from them. It is telling your story in a compelling way so that people want to actively participate.

Every day, you conduct public relations surrounding your role as a congregational nurse. It is the talk you give at a local senior center. Or the resource handout you give to a family member of someone in a nursing home. Or, the reassurance you provide over the phone. So – it isn’t a question of whether you “do” public relations, but, rather, how well you do it.

Public relations is the image that the congregation and community have about your program. If you focus a bit of attention on your public relations efforts, it will bring positive visibility for the critical need congregational nurses fill. More important, it will help you promote the good things you are doing, so that more people are affected.

It has often been said that if someone is happy or disappointed in something, they will tell 12 people. And, those 12 people tell another 12 people. And, so on, and so on. This means that people can carry the exciting news of your efforts throughout the community.

However, it is important that you also work to promote your role as a congregational nurse – especially if you are new to the faith community. Some ways to do this include announcements in church print media, commissioning and blessing ceremonies, creating and distributing brochures, and creating a Web page.

This module will help you develop effective public relations efforts to get your message out.