Communications and Public Outreach
Chair, John Suit
Charter October 2018 Communications and Public Relations
The objective of the Communications and Public Relations Committee is to increase awareness among the public and the Brethren of the work and value of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. It shall be responsible for Executive Council communications with the Valley membership and Valley web-based communication tools. The Committee shall coordinate the Valley's ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program and provide organizational and communications support to the Valley Body assigned responsibility for community outreach programs recognizing community leaders and service providers as well as those recognizing our membership, ladies, and widows.
The Communications and Public Relations Committee shall consist of a Chairman and a minimum of 5 members, plus a representative from each of the four Bodies.
Tasks:
1. The Committee shall develop a communication and outreach program to bring Scottish Rite Freemasonry to the positive attention of the media, the public, and the Brethren. The Committee shall:
a. Create a Valley Communications Plan to describe the means and methods for effectively connecting with the public and the Valley membership;
b. Develop a consistent message about the Scottish Rite brand;
c. Maintain a digital content library that can be used for the Valley website and bulletins, and identify Brethren who can serve as Valley photographers to provide visual content for the library;
d. Identify videos and other materials including those available from the Supreme Council for use as Lodge programs.
2. (Internal Communications): The Committee shall manage all Valley leadership and Executive Council communications with the Valley membership.
a. Manage communications to the membership on the Valley email list-serve;
b. Develop and distribute the Valley bulletin, including management and editing of content.
3. (External Communications): The Committee shall increase awareness among the public and the Brethren of the work and value of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
a. Manage the Valley's presence and content on social media;
b. Develop, for Valley authorization as appropriate, press releases, radio and TV spots, and Internet messages publicizing the charitable and community service activities of the Alexandria Scottish Rite;
c. Manage the Valley website and the site's content to ensure current and relevant information is posted, and to increase raise public awareness and Masonic interest in Alexandria Valley's activities, events and programs;
d. Lead community outreach programs including the Scottish Rite ROTC and JROTC Outstanding Cadet programs and other such programs designed to recognize community leaders and service providers. Additionally, it will provide communications and publicity support to the Lodge of Perfection for the Outstanding Teacher Recognition Program, and to the Consistory for the Ladies Appreciation and Widows Recognition Program. The Committee shall:
i. Coordinate with Northern Virginia ROTC/JROTC Units to schedule presentations of Outstanding Cadet Recognition Awards, and coordinate with Valley membership to align presenters for the award ceremonies - it shall also compile statistical data on presentations for end-of-year reporting;
ii. Support the Valley Lodge of Perfection in coordinating with the Washington Post newspaper to identify the recipient/nominees of the annual Teacher of the Year Awards, then select and coordinate with three of the Northern Virginia nominees and their school administration for participation in the Valley's annual Outstanding Teacher Recognition Banquet and Program.
