Year-End Cheer, Year-Round Impact: Building PR with Community Celebrations

We all feel the rush as December approaches, bringing with it a hefty dose of holiday parties, end-of-year buzz, and nearly a dozen cultural and religious celebrations to keep track of. But it's not just a busy time. It's also a prime moment when the community is watching to see who gives back and how.

For organizations aiming to make a special impact, here's my top advice: Celebrate with YOUR people.

That means showing genuine interest in making their community better by aligning their values with your business resources and through your actions. Remember, only authentic efforts to contribute are what significantly boost trust and establish a strong, caring brand.

Stay true. Do this for the right reasons.

But what if you haven't embraced the PR needs community relations attitude into your business strategy yet?

Here’s a little nudge to get you started this season:

• Holiday Cheer: Engage in holiday drives or support local events. It’s a fantastic way to start a sustained journey of community involvement. Action: Review your remaining budget and consider sponsoring or hosting a community event.
• Initiate a Routine: Commit to incorporate regular community service into your company's New Year calendar. Action: Work with HR to plan regular community service days. Encourage your team to volunteer in 2024 – it’s rewarding and unites the team with a sense of pride in your organization's values.
• Local Love: Whether you're operating online or have a physical presence, embrace supporting local businesses and charities.Action: Gather your team and create a list of organizations they care about. Involve them in choosing community projects – it boosts morale and brings diverse ideas.
• Listen Up and Act: Likely the favorite for us PR folks, stay attentive to your community's needs and offer support where possible.Action: Contact a local non-profit that aligns with your business values and inquire how you can assist this season.

Remember, while these small community relations initiatives are great for positive branding, their true value lies in undertaking them for the right reasons.

So, don't limit this to just spreading holiday cheer – any PR professional worth their salt knows that nurturing community ties is a year-round commitment. People consistently pay close attention to businesses that prioritize the heart over the bottom line.

What types of community relations activities will your organization lead this season?