Why don't we publisize our saves more?

[RiverAux]

According to the July issue of Ex's Open Cockpit, CAP has saved 100 people so far this year.  Why do we only hear about a handful of these?  Why doesn't NHQ have a page on the web site devoted to as much details on each save as they can gather?  Why aren't they putting out news releases at a national level each time one happens? 

The answer is, of course, a mediocore public affairs program at all levels of CAP. 

If we've learned anything in CAP, you cannot count on local CAP mission information officers to be even present on most missions much less write something up.  Are any ICs being called on the carpet for not getting this important aspect of missions done?  Should they be?  After all, if there is no MIO, they're responsible for doing it.

Should there be regional MIO "teams" that can attempt to fill in when a Wing has a real deal mission and doesn't have an MIO of their own?  You can do a lot of PA work remotely, though of course it isn't ideal.  At least they'd be able to write up some post-mission stories and get them out to the major media and wire services and have something available for CAP's web site and future use. 

[BillB]

Quite often, the IC doesn't want information sent out. And since the MIO has to clear everything through the IC, there may be abottleneck. It's assumed by the ES people that a trained MIO doesn't know what to say or not say to the media or news release.  But most often CAP is in a support role, or operating under another orgnizations control and the CAP IO has to go through that organization for release. Many crow about their activity, but ignore CAP.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I definitely think there should be more coverage, not just on finds and saves, but on all missions real or exercise. When CAP is about to perform a mission (real or EX) especially in an urban environment it should be publicized. When we mobilize people don't know about it. They just don't and I don't understand why. People do have a need to know, at least on certain aspects. We may not let them know everything, but the public does need to know that there will be personnel practicing in their town. The Army had made the same sort of mistake in Washington State. They mobilized troops in Kiowa and Blackhawk helicopters flying through a large city at low altitudes and many were scared of what was going on. It was only an exercise but most had no idea what was going on. I know we are never armed or in a show of force, but people still think to scatter and leave the area because they just don't know what is going on. No, it has nothing to do with the uniform, it just has to do with people that are performing tasks and doing things that they are not used to seeing.

the DF gear, radio comms, and things of that sort are not common place, and make people confused and want to go elsewhere. If CAP were to put out information that there is an exercise that will happen on such and such dates, people would be more comfortable. Also it could be a good recruitment tool. The PR personnel do need to perform a bit more of their job. Talking to the press is one of those things that is part of the job.

When a real world disaster relief mission is going on, no one will care who is there, they will just be glad to see that there are personnel there to help. So on large scale real life operations are active, early press release is not that necessary. SAREX missions though, do need early press release for informational purposes.

After the mission is complete a public debrief that CAP has performed their exercise and has demobilized, a brief explanation of what has been accomplished and a statement of our readiness capabilities should probably be released.

This is just my opinion, but it is a strong one. CAP does need to do more to let the public know that we are here, training and preparing ourselves to help them in the event of any scale of disaster. 

After reading what BillB said, the IC should want some information to be publicized. Granted not everything. The organization that we are assisting should under good policies and practices allow CAP to publicize CAP's role as support of that outside organization. Unless it is a USAF ordered mission.

[RiverAux]

I am focusing specifically here on making known CAP's role in saving lives on individual missions.  This is obviously a post-mission deal and there is no need for the secret squirrel ideas that amount to an almost pathological fear of interacting with the media that some CAP members have.  The mission is over, lets make sure proper credit is given.

Now, we obviously work with any partner agencies on this to make sure everyone gets their moment in the sun.  But, that in no way accounts for my guestimate that fewer than 25% of saves get any mention on NHQ's web page or publications.   

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Ok, yes we should be publicizing our saves more. But that alone is not enough. CAP needs to publicize their activities more overall. Like I said, don't tell it all, just tell what the public should be informed with, that we will be out and training or working a real mission.

[ZigZag911]

100 saves sounds like a National level story...ought to be good for a feature story on one or more of the cable news networks.

[Flying Pig]

100 saves   <cough> Yeah right <cough>

[Smithsonia]

We save everyday. We save millions that couldn't be recreated by 100 times the money full of paid professionals. We save kids from an errant life by making them cadets. We save idle brains by offering education. We save when we take pictures. We save when we teach courses. We save when we learn a lesson. We save when we participate. We save when we are on every mission and training exercise. AND we pay to do it.

We pay for gear. We pay for training. We pay for uniforms. We pay in dues. We pay in time. We pay in sweat. We pay in cash. We pay to save
others. We pay in giving honor. We save only after we pay and pay much.

Most of all we save each other. We save by saying thanks. We save through appreciation. We save in every thing we do. Yes, saving people
lives that are lost or in need of rescue is important. However, what we save, how we save, when we save, all the saves - are all parts of the story.

Of course "God Save Us All." BUT, when he doesn't - we do. We Are The Civil Air Patrol. What can we do for you? Save? We're on it, every day!

Think about Pakistan. Think about Haiti. Think about Katina. Think about what we did in Louisiana. Think about how much other countries need similar organizations to ours.

I am taking CERT Training right now. We are taught by paid professionals to do exactly what CAP does for free. 90% of what we learn in CERT are things I've already learned in CAP. We could save HLS millions by having 200,000 or even 400,000 members in CAP. There is no end to our saves. 100 saves makes some us laugh? Try millions! The real answer is billions! SAVED

[JC004]

We need a total revamp of nearly everything public affairs/PR/branding/marketing/advertising/etc.  We need great locally-implemented Public Affairs curriculum executed at the local level (like TLC is).  I know that can be done - I wrote the curriculum.  There's a big 5-inch or so binder in the box at my feet.  So far, collecting dust mostly.   

We need people out in the field, getting stories, really telling the story of CAP with multimedia - video, audio, and on the interwebs.  If I were in charge, I'd inject a swell of energy and momentum into it, focusing on the field, not HQ.  That's how it has to be done.

[BillB]

In general the role of the PAO has changed over the years. When monthly PAO reports were required, PAOs went out and produced news releases, talked to radio stations and got PSA spots aired. Now it's a different story. When was the last time your PAO gave  a speech on CAP at a civic club?  When was the last news story sent to the local newspaper. (other than little Johhy getting the Mitchell or some similar story with little news value) How many PAOs have a current list of media contacts at local newspapers, radio stations or TV stations?
Other than stories sent to a Wing newpaper or web site, and The Volunteer, most PAOs do not consider sending to local media. Is it fear that to much of what CAP does is FOUO ? A good PAO works closely with the Recruiting Officer to set up scholl recruiting, talks infrom of civic groups, Rotery clubs are always looking for speakers for their meetings as an example. What does your PAO do?

[JC004]

...
How many PAOs have a current list of media contacts at local newspapers, radio stations or TV stations?
...

A couple years ago, I made a list for the whole wing and put it on the wing website.  It wasn't hard.  It did take a while to find some of the little weekly papers and also to list the relevant sections (like volunteering opportunity sections in a particular paper), but it was pretty easy.  I wish more wings would do something like that or even that NHQ would do something like the AFA(ssociation) has.

[SarDragon]

According to the July issue of Ex's Open Cockpit, CAP has saved 100 people so far this year.  Why do we only hear about a handful of these?

It isn't always the PAO folks. There have been instances (unciteable) where a press release got sent out, and the media didn't think it was newsworthy.

[Smithsonia]

There is a bit of an advancement on the PAO front. It is called story forming. For instance:
1. Your Wing has a Mission Save - you make one day in the news. How about a week later bringing the photographer or reporter on a flight and show them where the save was made. Get the rescuee to provide a narrative, if possible. "I saw the plane and waved... they wagged their wings... I knew I was going to be all right." Now your one day - has several days of legs. Make this a longer piece by giving SAR advice. Stay in place, bring a flash mirror, get in a clearing. Remain Calm... and we'll find you too." Good advice from the Civil Air Patrol.

Here's a perfect example put together by Lt. Col. Mike Daniels CO/WG PAO. http://cowg.cap.gov/
When the page loads go to the video window and click it on.

2. You can give the Search and Rescue Advice at the beginning of camping season, even when you don't have a recent save to tie in to it. However, have it tied into a SAREX so the cameraman has something to shoot on the ground and in the air. This makes CAP the
SAR authority. Provide visuals and someone good to interview.

3. Have an event like Rocket club launch, opening a museum display, Airshow, July 4th Parade, or Wreaths Across America. Even though this is only partially your event - if you offer to handle publicity for the event - you can steer the coverage CAPs direction. This isn't poaching the publicity due others for CAP. That will create hostility - This is forming the story... giving them a narrative character with good quotes to lead the audience through the story.

These are advanced media skills and techniques. Basically, in today's media environment - you must do much of the media's work. Line up the interviews. Suggest the best place to find the best shots. Queue the reporter or photog to a moment they won't want to miss. However, in all of these cases you must deliver. Don't over promise or hype or you are dead. Story former is part reporter, part narrator, part ring master, part escort, part cheeky friend in a nice uniform with a wicked sense of humor and killer amounts of knowledge.

"Story Forming" is coverage management without ever looking like you are managing it. You are being helpful and serving the needs of the media. Doing extra leg work pays off in better coverage.

[RADIOMAN015]

There's been some good examples given on this thread.

Unfortunately, when one deals with unpaid volunteers (and as one) there's going to be competing issues for one's time, and unfortunately CAP doesn't always win out.  There's also occassional burn out.  I think some IC's after a mission can be quite worn and really just want to go home an relax (actually could say that for most participants).

I do think organizationally we need to realize the limitations we work under as/with volunteers and maybe the paid staff at National may have to do some fill ins where required to get CAP's story out so to speak.

I know with the local media, there's some media that I've never had success with so I really am not even going to spend my time trying, I will work with those media that have any interest in us as an organization.

This is fluid situation, and is going to vary greatly throughout CAP, as far as the capability/capacity to get the ES accomplishment word out.
RM
 

[RiverAux]

Which is why I suggested putting some of the onus on the paid public affairs staff at NHQ. 

[Flying Pig]

We save everyday. We save millions that couldn't be recreated by 100 times the money full of paid professionals. We save kids from an errant life by making them cadets. We save idle brains by offering education. We save when we take pictures. We save when we teach courses. We save when we learn a lesson. We save when we participate. We save when we are on every mission and training exercise. AND we pay to do it.

We pay for gear. We pay for training. We pay for uniforms. We pay in dues. We pay in time. We pay in sweat. We pay in cash. We pay to save
others. We pay in giving honor. We save only after we pay and pay much.

Most of all we save each other. We save by saying thanks. We save through appreciation. We save in every thing we do. Yes, saving people
lives that are lost or in need of rescue is important. However, what we save, how we save, when we save, all the saves - are all parts of the story.

Of course "God Save Us All." BUT, when he doesn't - we do. We Are The Civil Air Patrol. What can we do for you? Save? We're on it, every day!

Think about Pakistan. Think about Haiti. Think about Katina. Think about what we did in Louisiana. Think about how much other countries need similar organizations to ours.

I am taking CERT Training right now. We are taught by paid professionals to do exactly what CAP does for free. 90% of what we learn in CERT are things I've already learned in CAP. We could save HLS millions by having 200,000 or even 400,000 members in CAP. There is no end to our saves. 100 saves makes some us laugh? Try millions! The real answer is billions! SAVED

Oh brother,.......its getting deep in here.  OK, back to reality.

[SarDragon]

Which is why I suggested putting some of the onus on the paid public affairs staff at NHQ.

I think the turn-around time would make that an impractical process. If a news story doesn't get published in about the first two or three days, it's not news anymore.

[Smithsonia]

We save everyday. We save millions that couldn't be recreated by 100 times the money full of paid professionals. We save kids from an errant life by making them cadets. We save idle brains by offering education. We save when we take pictures. We save when we teach courses. We save when we learn a lesson. We save when we participate. We save when we are on every mission and training exercise. AND we pay to do it.

We pay for gear. We pay for training. We pay for uniforms. We pay in dues. We pay in time. We pay in sweat. We pay in cash. We pay to save
others. We pay in giving honor. We save only after we pay and pay much.

Most of all we save each other. We save by saying thanks. We save through appreciation. We save in every thing we do. Yes, saving people
lives that are lost or in need of rescue is important. However, what we save, how we save, when we save, all the saves - are all parts of the story.

Of course "God Save Us All." BUT, when he doesn't - we do. We Are The Civil Air Patrol. What can we do for you? Save? We're on it, every day!

Think about Pakistan. Think about Haiti. Think about Katina. Think about what we did in Louisiana. Think about how much other countries need similar organizations to ours.

I am taking CERT Training right now. We are taught by paid professionals to do exactly what CAP does for free. 90% of what we learn in CERT are things I've already learned in CAP. We could save HLS millions by having 200,000 or even 400,000 members in CAP. There is no end to our saves. 100 saves makes some us laugh? Try millions! The real answer is billions! SAVED

Oh brother,.......its getting deep in here.  OK, back to reality.

Flying Pig;
If we hang onto to SAVEs alone as justification for our existence then we will live and die on that sword. Those numbers will go up and down and be constantly subject to controversy because aligned agencies will take/want/deserve credit too. I was offering alternative words to the sole use of (save) numbers.

Some people do not have those words on hand or in mind. So "it was getting deep indeed"... your unfortunate comment means there are depths that are impossible for you to understand. You have justified the purpose and need for good PIO/MIO/PAOs... so thanks.

But, professional dismissal runs both ways. Dismiss the professional PAO's good words about CAP (mine) and I'll dismiss your comment as unnecessarily small. No let me fully describe that comment, so there is no misunderstanding on your part... Puny and Snide. Part of what we do is to help SAR crews not make fools of themselves in front of the Public, in your case  - I was too late.

[RiverAux]

Which is why I suggested putting some of the onus on the paid public affairs staff at NHQ.

I think the turn-around time would make that an impractical process. If a news story doesn't get published in about the first two or three days, it's not news anymore.

For weekends yes, but during the week they're on the job.  But, for them I wasn't really thinking of having them contact local media, but rather featuring them on the web page as more of an ongoing public affairs strategy. 

[Flying Pig]

We save everyday. We save millions that couldn't be recreated by 100 times the money full of paid professionals. We save kids from an errant life by making them cadets. We save idle brains by offering education. We save when we take pictures. We save when we teach courses. We save when we learn a lesson. We save when we participate. We save when we are on every mission and training exercise. AND we pay to do it.

We pay for gear. We pay for training. We pay for uniforms. We pay in dues. We pay in time. We pay in sweat. We pay in cash. We pay to save
others. We pay in giving honor. We save only after we pay and pay much.

Most of all we save each other. We save by saying thanks. We save through appreciation. We save in every thing we do. Yes, saving people
lives that are lost or in need of rescue is important. However, what we save, how we save, when we save, all the saves - are all parts of the story.

Of course "God Save Us All." BUT, when he doesn't - we do. We Are The Civil Air Patrol. What can we do for you? Save? We're on it, every day!

Think about Pakistan. Think about Haiti. Think about Katina. Think about what we did in Louisiana. Think about how much other countries need similar organizations to ours.

I am taking CERT Training right now. We are taught by paid professionals to do exactly what CAP does for free. 90% of what we learn in CERT are things I've already learned in CAP. We could save HLS millions by having 200,000 or even 400,000 members in CAP. There is no end to our saves. 100 saves makes some us laugh? Try millions! The real answer is billions! SAVED

Oh brother,.......its getting deep in here.  OK, back to reality.

Flying Pig;
If we hang onto to SAVEs alone as justification for our existence then we will live and die on that sword. Those numbers will go up and down and be constantly subject to controversy because aligned agencies will take/want/deserve credit too. I was offering alternative words to the sole use of (save) numbers.

Some people do not have those words on hand or in mind. So "it was getting deep indeed"... your unfortunate comment means there are depths that are impossible for you to understand. You have justified the purpose and need for good PIO/MIO/PAOs... so thanks.

But, professional dismissal runs both ways. Dismiss the professional PAO's good words about CAP (mine) and I'll dismiss your comment as unnecessarily small. No let me fully describe that comment, so there is no misunderstanding on your part... Puny and Snide. Part of what we do is to help SAR crews not make fools of themselves in front of the Public, in your case  - I was too late.

I guess I hurt your feelings.  Here, hows this....
You can dismiss me as snide and puny if you want. But guess what, I see CAP from the perspective of the people you are trying to convince as a professional SAR/LE pilot with more actual saves and rescues than probably most people who post here.  On the CAP side I am a CAP Senior Pilot, Mission/CD Pilot and Squadron Commander of one of the most successful squadrons in CAWG and Pacific Region.  So you can claim I don't understand, but I would venture to guess most wont agree with your assessment.
What I see by your definition is an organization that is REALLY reaching in attempts to justify itself when you use your version of things.  CAP claims 100 saves, that means something and CAP should be able to explain it and publicize it.  I am not looking for kids saved from gangs or how much you pay in dues.  The thread was about 100 SAVES.  In the SAR world, a save is someone who would be dead if you didn't bring them back.  CAP has a bad habit of throwing that word around for changing a tire with your back to traffic. Your assessment of what CAP is, is what we call an exaggeration and would get you shown the door if you tried to bring that to my boss as a reason people should look to CAP.  So what Im telling you is that I am a very involved CAP commander, and I don't even buy your assessment of what you think CAP is.