How to Promote CDSE

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Holding events and putting out media releases to generate publicity is the return a club gets for its investment in the community. Not everyone knows about the enormous support clubs provide, so it's in the club's best interests to promote this as much as possible. This doesn't necessarily involve large costs as many of these activities can be put together for very little cost.

Event Ideas

  • Cheque Presentation Reception - Ask one or more of the funding recipients to speak about how the funding will be applied. Invite local media, MPs, and other groups.
  • Information Day - Invite local groups (including previous funding recipients and groups from the NCOSS and DoCS database) to hear about the aim of the scheme and how to apply.
  • CDSE Scheme Launch - At the beginning of the year, drum up interest by holding a launch of the scheme. This could be tied in with the applicant information day.
  • President's Reception - Some Committees hold informal social gatherings where the club presidents meet with the presidents and managers of the organisations supported through CDSE, to review and celebrate the previous year and discuss future plans for club activities and community support.
  • Events such as these are a great way to promote your club's support for the local community through CDSE and other funding, and to raise awareness of the club's role in developing and supporting community organisations in the local area.

Maximising the Impact

  • Inviting both club staff members and directors is important, as the Board makes the final decision on how funds are to be allocated.
  • Many clubs have found that inviting VIP's such as political and community leaders can help to increase their club's profile, both with these special guests and with local media.
  • Including the Mayor or your State and Federal MPs in your club's CDSE activities can emphasise to them the value of the Club Movement, the support your club provides to local organisations and the way the club enhances the lives of members and the general community. Why not write to your local members, detailing the contribution your club has made and inviting them to attend your CDSE cheque ceremony, President's activities through their member newsletters and annual reports.
  • By showcasing CDSE funding and other donations in this way, clubs are ensuring that members are aware that their membership helps support these local groups.
  • Ask successful Category 1 & 2 funding recipients to help publicise the scheme, by writing letters to the editor and announcing the grant to their stakeholders' for example, a school could run a short piece in its newsletter.
  • Put up signage in clubs and council chambers listing the successful recipients and the projects funded.

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Media Magic

No matter what the event, you should send out a media release that highlights the people who benefit from CDSE and underlines the community focus of clubs. This will reinforce a positive public image and help garner valuable coverage at little cost to your club or Committee. Remember to make it clear that the money comes from clubs rather than from local or state government.

When putting together a media release, make it as easy as possible for the local paper to include your story. You'll need to include all the key information, and for maximum impact, include a photo.

When taking photos at events, be imaginative! As an alternative to the traditional cheque presentation, which often doesn't get a run in the paper, why not have your club president pose with the recipients as the projects get underway. Individual stories and interesting photos, such a mobile pre-school arriving at an outlying locality, or pets as therapy visits to a local nursing home - make for better publicity than a 'big cheque.'

Crucial ingredients of a good release include:

  • Who will benefit from the project(s)?
  • What is the aim of the project(s)?
  • How much funding is the club(s) providing and how long will it last?
  • What is CDSE? (Use a definition which emphasises clubs' community role eg. through the club industry's Community Development & Support Expenditure scheme, which recognises clubs' enormous financial contribution to their local area. Clubs earning over $1 million per year receive a tax deduction in exchange for investing in their neighbourhood by funding community projects.)
  • Comment from Club President or Committee Chairperson
  • Comment from funding recipient(s)
  • Comment from Mayor
    Which clubs participated?
  • Don't forget a contact name and telephone number for follow-up!

Sample Media Releases & Letters

Sample Media Release (Single Club)
Sample Media Release (Local Committee)
Sample Media Release Inviting Funding
Sample Letter To MP

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