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Community Relations is PR
Your community needs you just as much as you need it.
Keren Speck
January 14, 2025
What's in store for this edition:
Press Release - when to and when not to
Community Relations
“We have blow dryers, coffee, and tea. Come by if you’ve been displaced and need to wash your hair.”
This simple Reel I saw from a hair salon in California is the perfect example of doing community relations right. It’s simple, to the point, and helpful.
What is community relations?
It’s been defined as “the strategic efforts by businesses, organizations, or institutions to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with the communities in which they operate.”
I call it doing good.
It’s a subset of public relations, and perhaps everyone’s favorite, and something everyone can do. By creating partnerships that help the community, donating time, money, or resources to support local causes, events, or initiatives, you’re investing in your community and making a difference.
Why is community relations important?
✅ Shows that you care.
✅ Show that you’re responsible.
✅ People notice and will become loyal.
✅ People will have good things to say about your brand.
✅ Your brand will get noticed.
✅ You help people, and with that comes satisfaction no money can buy.
What types of activities can you do?
Sponsor or host local events.
Donate to or partner with non-profits or community organizations.
Support disaster relief efforts.
Encourage employees to volunteer in community programs.
Create a public service campaign.
You don’t have to be a large company, a school, fire, or police department to be involved in community relations. Many small business shine at this, and you can too! Whether your efforts are large or small, you can be happy in what you can do for others.
💫 Pro Tip: Don’t make it complicated. If it’s too hard for people to take advantage of, then they wont. Make it useful. For example, donating 100 winter jackets to people affected by a hurricane in the South during the summer… is not going to be helpful.
Make sure you let the community know what you are doing through social media, newsletters, and on your website. If it’s newsworthy, by all means let the local news know, this is especially helpful during disasters.
Do you have a memory of a company that did something good for you or the community? It’s amazing how those memories stick with you and make you feel good about that company. Now go out and make memories for others!
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
Do this now:
Do you have any programs where you give back to the community?
Do you have budget, product, or time set aside for giving back?
Term to Learn
Community Relations specifically targets building goodwill with local communities through tangible actions.
FAQ
Q: I don’t have a lot to give. Should I even participate in community relations?
A: You may not have a lot to give financially, but can you offer your time, expertise or something as simple as a cup of coffee and place to wash hair, like the opening example? Be creative and generous with what you have.
Get PR techniques from recent news.
Newsworthy
Turo’s response
Two attacks by two trucks in two different cities, with Turo being the common denominator, makes for very bad headlines. How did this company respond?
On the day of the attacks it issued it’s first statement.
It used words like “shock,” “sadness,” and “our hearts are with.” More importantly it was transparent as to the current understanding of the situation and acknowledged its link in it.
Later on, the CEO gave (no doubt very difficult) interviews in which he explained the security protocols of the company and what exactly their role in the event was.
Essential strategy for crises:
Clear up any misconceptions.
Showed how and what you are doing to help or change.
Used clear illustrations to explain points.
Be transparent.
Be sympathetic and empathetic.
✍️ Key PR Takeaway: If your company is involved in a crisis, review your messaging. Always check for honesty and transparency, public interest, and empathy for those affected.
Learn from others.
100% Cool : 0% Cringe
Bingo 2025 Trend
@izzylk Happy nye everyone ✨🤍☁️ #bingocard #2025bingo #visionboard #nye #newyears #2025 #fyp #foryou #foryoupagе #trending
News Years Resolutions are as old as time. This year many are mixing things up by sharing their resolutions on social media, with a fun twist: the bingo card.
By making a community where people feel motivated and connected, through fun posts like Bingo Card Resolutions, you can create a space that users want to be part of. A trend like this is a great way to be relatable by sharing your goals and being human… just like your audience.
✍️ Key PR Takeaway: Use social media trends to make connections with your audience.
Useful PR Resources.
🧰 TOOLKIT
List of Charities
Want to donate, but don’t know where? Here’s a website that list different charities. Plus, there is a current section for charities responding to the LA fires.
Attention Seeker of the Week
The Pasadena Humane Society has taken over 300 displaced animals from the fires. Staff and volunteers are working day and night to take care of these animals. Many are severely injured and need lots of care. We see you, and thank all the furry caregivers for their support!
Feeling for my friends and family in California who have lost homes, are displaced, and exhausted from fighting the fires.
Until next week, keep your shades on and stay cool.
Your fellow Seeker,
Keren
🕶️
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