Public Relations Officer

Mission/Purpose
Establish and maintain mutual lines of communication, understanding, acceptance, and cooperation between District and its members, as well as between the District and the public. Increase awareness of Toastmasters through all available communication media. Administer policies and programs related to public relations for Toastmasters International, the District and the Club.

The Public Relations Officer is charged with the responsibility to prepare a public relations program. This public relations program should keep both members and nonmembers aware of the Toastmasters program and help achieve District goals for membership building and retention, building new Clubs, and achievement of CTMs, ATMs, CLs, Als, and DTMs. The public relations program should also promote use of Toastmasters educational programming. District conferences and events, and leadership and training opportunities within the District.

Qualifications
The officer serves in a staff position under the direction of the District Governor. He or she may be elected or appointed by the District Governor subject to approval of the Executive Committee and confirmation by the District Council. This position is not considered a fourth top officer and is not in logical progression to the office of District Governor. The Public Relations Officer is eligible for re-election or re-appointment for one succeeding term only.

Guidance/Authority

  • Serve as staff officer under the direction of the District Governor. Serve as member of the Executive Committee.
  • Uphold Bylaws and policies of Toastmasters International, the District Administrative Bylaws and policies established by the District Council, following them to the best of his or her ability.
  • Work in support of District Governor, Lt. Governor Education and Training and Lt. Governor Marketing in an effort to successfully train Division Governors, Area Governors and Club Officers.
  • Work in support of the Lt. Governor Education and Training to achieve the District’s CTM and ATM goals.
  • Work in support of the Lt. Governor Marketing to achieve the District’s membership growth goals.
  • Work in support of the Lt. Governor Marketing to achieve the District’s Club extension and Club rescue goals.
  • Server as resource to Division and Area Governors to help achieve their goals.
  • Work in cooperation with District Newsletter Editor and Speakers Bureau Chairman in an effort to achieve public relations goals.


Duties/Goals

  • Prepare comprehensive communications program which keep both members and non-members aware of the Toastmasters program.
  • Submit a public relations program plan to the District Governor and Executive Committee for approval. The plan should incorporate public relation strategies to promote:
    • Membership building and retention (in conjunction with Lt. Governor Marketing).
    • Building new Clubs (in conjunction with Lt. Governor Marketing and Marketing Chairman).
    • Achievement of CTMs, ATMs, CLs, ALs, DTMs and use of Toastmasters educational programming (in cooperation with Lt. Governor Education and Training).
    • Leadership and training opportunities within the District,
    • District Conferences and other events.
  • Use the District Newsletter and other publications to keep members informed about District activities, events, goals, achievements, and educational programs.
  • Work with the Public Relations Committee to implement the District's public relations strategy.
  • Develop publicity through the use of the press, television, radio, and other media aimed at making Toastmasters better known.
  • In consultation with the District Governor, serve as media representative for the District.
  • Review and recommend to District Governor all advertising and publicity material dealing with District programs and activities.
  • Organize speakers bureaus at the District and Club level, giving individual Toastmasters the opportunity to promote the organization through speeches to local groups and at seminars and workshops.
  • Serve as public relations resource to District Clubs.
  • Prepare successor to assume office, completing the steps necessary for an orderly transfer of office by June 30.


Taken from the 2002-2003 District Leadership Handbook