We are Rotary. We are People of Action.
No other organization is quite like Rotary. By using our voice consistently in all our messaging, we can ensure that our communications reflect our distinct character.
Meet Your Pubic Image Team
Need a Public Image Assist? 🛎️
Got a great Rotary event that deserves some attention? Need help with a flyer, social media, Rotary branding, or getting your event on the District calendar?
Don’t reinvent the wheel—we’re here to help!
Click the image below to submit a Public Image Support Request, and our team will help you get your Rotary story out there!
Rotary Brand Center
You’ll find many resources to help you promote Rotary in your community and show the world that we’re people of action. If you’re new to the Brand Center, start here.
Our Brand
Learn how to apply our brand messaging to promote Rotary
Our brand is more than a logo — it’s how people think about us. Learn how to use Rotary’s brand in all your club communications to build awareness about Rotary.
Downloads
Access images, videos, and promotional materials
Find ready-to-use banners, posters, flyers, and other items to use in your communications.
Templates
Find easy-to-use and customizable templates
Use our tools to create Rotary club and district logos and customized materials.
People of Action
Build awareness and understanding of Rotary and the difference we make
Find materials and tools to help you promote your club members as people of action.
Why promote Rotary?
The more Rotarians we have, the more good we can do in the world. We cannot attract more new Rotarians without telling the world what we are doing and why they would want to get in on the action! Even Rotary Founder Paul Harris thought promotion was important. He said,
"In the promotion of understanding, it is important to reach large numbers - non-Rotarians as well as Rotarians - and you can not reach large numbers privately." Increased awareness can result in increased membership and foundation giving.
"In the promotion of understanding, it is important to reach large numbers - non-Rotarians as well as Rotarians - and you can not reach large numbers privately." Increased awareness can result in increased membership and foundation giving.
Take the Time
Sometimes we spend so much time on the service we do that we don't set aside the resources needed to tell anyone what we just did. We also need to make sure we've assigned this responsibility to someone with the time and skills to do the job well. Consider a member who has experience in marketing, advertising, promotion or public relations to start. Make sure that the Rotarian who accepts the position reads the Public Relations Guide from Rotary International. It outlines the job description for this role and offers helpful advice on goal setting and more!
Have a Plan
For each event or Rotary story to be promoted, consider outlining a plan of attack. Who will you tell about it? How will you tell them? Do you need to schedule social media posts? When should signage be created? Who will take the photos? What kind of follow up should be considered?
Setting a schedule for each of these kinds of activities will keep you on track to get the word out in a timely fashion, spread the dissemination of information to maximize coverage of the event/story and hopefully generate more awareness for you!
Make Connections
Much of your external communications will rely on local media outlets to cover your news. Make sure you have contacts and can develop relationships with the key decision-makers in media to give you the best shot at getting your story featured. Know the difference between media relations and media notification and you will go far!
Don't forget the unique, local opportunities like community newsletters or online-only news sources
Tell Your Story
A good press release makes for a good story. In today's world, people want to know how something relates to them or why they should care before they will dedicate time or interest in something new. Avoid sending out fact-based press releases that simply provide details on your upcoming event, but rather feature how your event will impact the community, inspiring people to attend.
Click Here for a quick guide on formatting a press release.
In today's world, you don't always have to submit a formal document like I outlined on the guide. You can just copy and paste the content into an email submission. Be sure to include a great picture and caption about what's in the picture!
Don't Forget Rotarians
Whether new members or veterans, keeping your membership informed is an important part of your work as the PR or PI chair. An informed membership can make your job easier, as you will have an army of Rotarians equipped to speak on what we do! As much as possible, you will want to make sure members know about upcoming activities, details on how fundraisers and programs went and even the basics like who is speaking at your next meeting. This can be accomplished through social media, your club web site and newsletters.
If you are a club president or PR chair looking for personalized advice, you can always contact the District 5300 PI Chair Zeb.Martin.