Rotary media experts tell Rotary District 3790 members to tell the world what Rotary does
RPIC Mildred Vitangcol lists the winners of the Public Image Awards of Zone 10A.
Text and photos by: Nonnette C. Bennett
There are some 800 Rotary Clubs in the Philippines across 10 Districts but not everybody knows the good that these clubs have done for their communities. This was underscored by Past District Governor Mildred Vitangcol of District 3830 and current Zone 10 A Regional Public Image Coordinator.
Charter President Josh Santos of RC San Juan Supreme focuses on stories and not brands sell.
Vitangcol said, “In promoting Rotary, we need to let them know what we’re doing.” This she underscored as she quoted Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris’ words, “Each Rotarian is the architect of Rotary’s future.”
She added, “The good work your club has done needs to be shared widely.”
Journalist Salve Ibañez says the stories on good deeds must be posted.
Assistant RPIC Majella Tumangan-Villaroman of Rotary Club of Manila 101 told Rotarians that social media should be used to increase public outreach to reach a wider audience to tell them what Rotary is doing. She said, “promote Rotary brand in anyway.”
Charter President of Rotary Club San Juan Supreme Josh Santos, Past District Governor and Regional Public Image Coordinator Mildred Vitangcol, Assistant RPIC Majella Tumangan-Villaroman, and Journalist Salve Ibañez are Rotary experts in Public Image.
Journalist and Media practitioner Salve Ibanez said, “From good deeds to great stories is what Rotary needs.” Attention according to her is the most important currency in today’s world. “The world is tired of negativity,” she stressed.
Johun Joshua Santos, Charter President of Rotary Club San Juan Supreme of District 3800, confessed that he was one who thought that Rotary was for the rich and that it was made of old people. However, when he discovered the purpose, cause, established reputation, and programs of Rotary he was able to come up with the Supreme Store Project that has empowered teachers. He said it was necessary that the stories are able to connect, to be consistent, to able to cultivate the interest of the public, and to captivate the audience outside the organization and convert them into interested members. This he said was how they were able to make the Supreme Store a popular solution to prevalent survival issues of sectors in the society.
In the end, the four speakers said that technology is the most creative means to send the Rotary stories from all the corners of District 3790. They also challenged the clubs to vie for the Zone 10A awards for the next year after the success of RC Vigan, RC Baguio South, RC Mariveles, Rotary Club of Angeles Kuliat, RC Greater Floridablanca, RC Metro Olongapo, RC San Fernando La Union, RC San Marcelino, RC Baguio Angels, and RC Metro San Fernando La Union.
