Greater Alabama Council
2004 Positive Scouting Events
Council Classification: 300
Contact: Keith Williams
The objective of this plan was to communicate to the media positive Scouting events and stories that would get public attention and communicate to the general public values of Scouting in the community.
In late 2003, the Greater Alabama Council marketing team implemented a plan to educate district and unit leaders about the importance of communicating to the media stories on a local level. We put together sample news releases and educated through district roundtables and events the process of submitting news releases to different types of media. We also stressed the importance of local relationships with the media. With 22 counties in our council, the possibilities were endless.
As a result of our efforts, 2004 was our best year ever for news coverage for local council events. On average, we had one article a week run in one or more newspapers throughout our council.
In 2004, a new partnership was formed with the Greater Alabama Council and the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood, Alabama. This article communicates that Scouting is available to youth from all walks of life.
We learned that it is important to involve Scouts and Scouters on all levels as part of our overall marketing mission. By communicating and expanding our marketing effort through as many volunteers as possible, we can more effectively communicate the power of Scouting and the impact our program makes on society.
The Merits of Marketing (marketing.scouting.org) is a resource for local
councils, developed by the Marketing &
Communications Division of the National Council, Boy Scouts of
America.