Public Information Coordinator
ARRL Field Organization

The ARRL Public Information Coordinator (PIC) is a section-level official appointed by and reports to the Section Manager (SM) as the section's expert on public information and public relations matters. The PIC is responsible for organizing, training, guiding and coordinating the activities of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) within the section.  The overall goal of the PIC is to promote interest in Amateur Radio to the non-ham population within their section. 

 The Public Information Coordinator must be a full member of the ARRL and are recommended to have completed the ARRL’s PR-101 course or its successor.  Preferably, PIC candidates will also have professional public relations or journalism experience or a significantly related background in dealing with the public media,

Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our ability to serve the public.

 Specific Duties of the Public Information Coordinator:

 Individual activities

1. The PIC is the primary section level person to contact for information about         knowledgeable and effective local speakers and representatives who are available to address community groups on the topic of Amateur Radio, and shall work with PIOs to promote interest among those groups.

2. Works with PIOs, SM and ARRL staff to identify and publicize League-related stories of local or regional interest, including election or appointment of ARRL leadership officials, scholarship winners/award winners, QST articles by local authors or local achievements noted or featured in QST.   

 

Working with your PIOs

 1. Works closely with the section Affiliated Club Coordinator and ARRL affiliated clubs in   the section to recruit and train a team of Public Information Officers (PIOs). With the approval of the Section Manager, the PIC may be delegated to make PIO appointments within the section.

2. Works with the SM to motivate and encourage participation in PR training programs for themselves, PIOs and club publicity chairpersons.

 3. Works with the PIOs to identify and recommend ways to disseminate stories through emerging media, such as social networks.  Develops and maintains a current contact list of media outlets and reporters in the section for use in section-wide news and releases.  

4. Helps local PIOs to recognize and publicize newsworthy stories in their areas. Monitors news releases sent out by the PIOs for stories of broader interest and offers constructive comments for possible improvement.

5. Helps local PIOs in dealing with, and minimizing, any negative publicity about Amateur Radio or to correct negative stories incorrectly ascribed to Amateur Radio operators.

6. Familiarizes self with ARRL Public Service Announcements (PSAs), brochures and audiovisual materials; assists PIOs in arranging air time for PSAs; helps PIOs and speakers choose and secure appropriate brochures and audiovisual materials for events

7.  Works with PIOs to encourage activities that place Amateur Radio in the public eye, including demonstrations, Field Day activities, etc. and assures that sponsoring organizations are prepared to follow-up on interest generated by these activities.

8. Aids PIOs in holding PR forums and/or training events at ARRL hamfests.

 

Work in Emergencies 

1. Helps local PIOs, and/or section designated ARES-PIOs, prepare emergency response media plans. 

2. Is familiar with the protocols and establishes relations with the lead governmental response agency in the section and their requirements for the PIC’s participation in a Joint Information Center in a larger emergency.

3. Aids PIOs and clubs in preparation and contents of PR kits containing vetted information on Amateur Radio which may be distributed in advance to local Emergency Coordinators and District Emergency Coordinators for use in dealing with the media during emergencies.

4. Should complete appropriate ICS classes to have equivalent training as required of local or section ARES volunteers.

 

Working with section leadership

1. Advises the Section Manager on building and maintaining a positive public image for Amateur Radio in the section; keeps the SM informed of all significant events which would benefit from the SM's personal involvement and reports regularly to the SM on activities. At the request of the Section Manager, may assist with preparation of a section newsletter.

2. Encourages, organizes and will conduct a public relations forum at ARRL section conventions

 3. Counsels the SM in dealing with the media and with government officials, particularly when representing the ARRL and/or Amateur Radio in a public forum.

4. Counsels the SM in dealing with the media and with government officials, particularly when representing the ARRL and Amateur Radio in a public forum.  

5. Maintains contact with other section level League officials, particularly the Section Manager and others such as the State Government Liaison, Section Emergency Coordinator, Affiliated Club Coordinator and Bulletin Manager on matters appropriate for their attention and to otherwise help to assure and promote a coordinated and cohesive ARRL Field Organization.

 

Working with regional and HQ leaders

1. With other PICs, coordinates public relations efforts for events and activities which involve more than one section, and provide input on issues of national significance before the League's Public Relations Committee for their discussion or action.

2. Quickly informs the ARRL Media and PR Manager of any issue or significant event noted which may either enhance or damage the reputation of the ARRL.