[PAO] FLWG Academy for PAOs

[Jeff Carlson, Group 5 FLWG]

Civil Air Patrol members from Louisiana, Georgia joined more than 50 members
from across Florida for the two-day event in Orlando. In addition to
fundamentals, the public affairs academy focused on how to develop messages
that create a greater impact by targeting specific stakeholders, using
emerging technologies, and utilizing current trends in public relations.

 

This year's academy used a cloud-based file share application for
distributing academy information and collecting completed assignments. The
candidates developed stories and made mock images.  The next step was to
learn to use the content management system employed by Florida Wing to
create web pages.  The content was also used to practice uploading articles
and photos to the Southeast Region Online News feed. 

 

The participants learned valuable interviewing skills to use for gathering
quotes for written releases or creating video content.  Each team formed its
own production crew that shot a video interview.  The interview exercise
also allowed members to practice using talking points for interviews. 

 

On Sunday, the academy covered the basics of planning and how to localize
the priorities established under national headquarters' current strategic
plan. The discussion focused on the new CAP branding standards, increased
recognition of member diversity, creating visibility through community
services projects, building partnerships with local agencies and civic
clubs, and keeping local congressional representatives informed on CAP
activities and helping them to prepare justification for their support of
CAP funding. The capstone exercise on Sunday afternoon allowed the
candidates to utilize the skills they had developed over the weekend.

 

The record-setting attendance pushed the limits of the City of Orlando
Emergency Operation Center. Only half of the academy participants currently
hold a public affairs duty assignment.

The weekend also included social activities for the academy candidates to
relax and network.  Cadets participating in the academy were joined by local
cadet members for an evening at a local theme park while senior members
gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

 

It took a team effort to put this complex event together. Mostly it is was
the enthusiasm and the continued engagement of the academy participants that
made the event so successful. There are over 4 dozen CAP members with a new
perspective about how to effectively tell the CAP story.  

 

CAP Instructors for the course included: Maj. Jeffery Carlson; 2nd Lt. Wayne
Hooks, 1st Lt Tyler Lahnen; Capt Ernie Lee: C/Lt Col Elena Lee; Capt Dennis
Maloney; Lt. Col. Obie Young.  Academy support staff included Capt. William
McCombie; Capt. Christina English and cadets from the Central Florida Cadet
Squadron.

 

 

JEFFREY CARLSON, Major, CAP

Director

2013 Florida Wing Public Affairs Academy

 

Public Affairs Officer

Group 5, Florida Wing

Civil Air Patrol

jcarlson at flwg.us 

 

 

 

From: cap-pao-bounces at lists.sempervigilans.org
[mailto:cap-pao-bounces at lists.sempervigilans.org] On Behalf Of Phil Norris
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 10:10 AM
To: cap-pao at lists.sempervigilans.org
Subject: Re: [PAO] FLWG Academy for PAOs

 

Great work! I'm proud of your efforts!

Phil Norris

On Sep 13, 2013 8:53 AM, "Paul Gaertner" <biplaner at me.com> wrote:

The Florida Wing put on a first-class Academy for cadets and seniors last
weekend, September 6 thru 8, 2013.

Kudos to Maj Jeff Carlson for his use of pre-Academy "homework" which let
the participants learn something about other Academy students.  Major
strategy for this Academy was to divide the assembled students into small
groups then give them assignments.  Results: great solutions to problems; we
were able to select thoughtful conclusions from offered ideas. This Academy
is an annual offering from the FLWG and readers of this post should bee on
the lookout for info on the 2014 event. Paul Gaertner Jr., PAO, Georgia Wing
Composite Squadron 160. A facebook page that you are invited to check out:
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaSquadron160.


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