by Sallie Spradlin-Jett, D25 Public Relations Manager, 2023-2024
What would happen if you climbed into the basket of a hot air balloon and before you knew it, the ropes anchoring the basket became unraveled and the gusty winds carried you high above the treetops, across the fields, and over the mountains? Would you panic? Would you search for a user’s manual in the pockets of the basket? Would you hope you were in the basket with a friend (or two) who could help? In this scenario, do you picture other hot air balloons sailing along with you in the sky?
District 25 Members, it is my pleasure to showcase the Public Relations Manager role to inspire you to serve in this role or with the Public Relations Team!
There’s a children’s book I used to read to my kids entitled “Curious George and The Hot Air Balloon” by Margret and H.A. Rey. It was a favorite for all of us and it told the story of Curious George climbing into the basket of a hot air balloon and the ropes keeping the balloon from floating away became unraveled. It was a scary flight at first! But during moments when he wasn’t scared, he experienced some breathtaking scenes – like the beautiful scene of all the other colorful balloons sailing across the sky with him! He even found a way to make a friend who was able to get into the basket with him, so he wasn’t in the balloon all alone!
When I first embarked on my PRM journey last summer at the beginning of the 2023-2024 Toastmaster year, I was incredibly grateful to Michelle Debenport (our PRM the previous year) and her PR team for building a solid foundation (the “launch pad”) on which this year’s PR team could “take off!” For those in leadership roles in our clubs and within our district, being “legacy-minded” is a beautiful gift that we have the opportunity to give next year’s “pilot” and “crew!”
Some have asked what qualifications a person must have to fill the PRM role. I boarded my “flight” having about 15 years of freelance and professional experience in brand consulting, social media management, event promotion, marketing, print and TV news media relations, and I have worn many hats in live theatre production, and promotional video production. While this experience has helped me in the PRM role, you don’t need this amount of experience to be the PRM! While I might use some of these skills that allow me to create content quickly, a Toastmaster who volunteers in this role just needs to say “YES!”
One of the best pieces of advice I was given at the beginning of my service to the district as PRM was to “build your crew!” Build your team! I have never found myself in the basket of this hot air balloon alone! This year’s PR Team amazes me with their talent, skills, and creativity! It has been such an honor to serve with them in this role!
As we “soar” together, my wish is that you will reach new “heights” in whatever leadership role(s) you can fill now, and in the year to come! If you would like to start your “adventure” by joining the D25 PR Team, we would love to hear from you! We welcome Toastmasters with all levels of experience and skills! Just say “YES” and we’ll help you learn the rest!
