Thomas J. “Tom” Mattingly, District Chair

Marketing and public relations are essential for a successful Kiwanis Club. Through marketing we “sell” Kiwanis; this helps recruit new members and gain partnerships for our service to children. Through positive public relations a club informs the public of Kiwanis’ excellent work while boosting the morale of club members. With so many choices for community involvement it is important to consistently communicate the unique Kiwanis story.  Marketing and public relations affects both a club’s external and internal relationships.

The Primary Marketing and PR Goal for 2009-10:  Motivate every club to select a public relations chair, or designate an officer who will assume this responsibility. Most clubs have a member interested in writing or photography. If not, make such a person your next prospective member!

Use the available materials. Kiwanis International has excellent marketing and pr materials. Call 1-800-KIWANIS, ext. 1215 or find the available list on the club web site: www.kiwanis.org. The Public Relations Handbook is a concise guide with many ideas adaptable to any club. Many materials are free of charge. The Handbook, sample press release, club brochure and stationary templates, and other materials are available on a $12 CD from the Kiwanis Family Store. Up to 15 copies of a 12-page marketing kit are available free; this is a good resource for recruitment of members or for presentation to corporate sponsors.

Participate in District Contests

The KT District Online Directory and the KT web site contains judging criteria for the Club Bulletin Contest, Club Brochure Contest and Scrapbook Contest. A banner patch is awarded to all clubs who meet the scrapbook contest criteria with First & Second Place Winners in two categories.  A CD scrapbook may also be entered! Overall best in the district brochure and bulletin contests are entered in the International Contest.

District Marketing and PR Chair Tom Mattingly is a member of the Northside Kiwanis Club of Knoxville, TN in Division 5.  Contact Tom at 865-588-5687 (Home), 865-414-6218 (Work), or tjmshm@comcast.net.