[PAO] The American Red Cross Versus Civil Air Patrol Public Relations

[Ken]

Thank you very much for the explanation about the Red Cross.  I do 
recognize that their brand/image is extremely strong and surely I would 
think that since every chapter basically is autonomous to the National 
Red Cross, they have a lot of latitude in what they can do, BUT because 
of the need to fund raise do need to have a paid professional involved 
with public relations/fund raising since they wouldn't exit without the 
general public and the private sector contributing!

I think CAP can learn a lot by observing the way the Red Cross goes 
about doing its' PR work!   (You could probably provide good insight to 
National on how they ARC is so successful).

Thanks again!!!

Ken
Former PAO

On 10/3/2015 4:00 PM, Jeff Carlson, Grp 5 HQ wrote:
>   snip..snip..
> As far as comparing CAP and ARC... I voluntarily serve as  both a CAP
> PAO/PIO and as a member of the Red Cross Public Affairs team.  The reality
> is that CAP public affairs does not have the same resources as ARC public
> affairs.  ARC has hundreds of paid staff members and much larger budget.  It
> is not a fair comparison.  The Red Cross has one of the strongest brand
> images on the globe, while CAP is huffing and puffing to develop a brand and
> gain a foothold.  That being said, there are numerous best practices that
> CAP could borrow from ARC.
>
> What Ken doesn't seem to realize is that this email listserv is from a
> bygone era that has seen minimal activity in recent years.  His voice is
> only carried so far, though I am certain his comments have been received by
> members of the national PA team.  The unofficial Official CAP Public Affairs
> Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/4305419935/  is where the
> action is these days.
>
> If Ken wants to shout at the wind, let him do it. The typing will keep his
> fingers nimble and the release of frustration is the only satisfaction he'll
> ever get from his efforts expended in this direction. If you don't want to
> read it, use the delete key.
>
> Howl away, Ken!
>
> Maj Jeffrey P Carlson, CAP
> Public Affairs Officer
>
>
>