PSAs for CAP

[spacecommand]

While browsing through many of the "music videos...." (no comment) of CAP on youtube, I actually found a good video overview of CAP, about 10minutes long:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIOvnjNfraI

[a2capt]

...been waiting to see if someone posts this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgd5CxaL68

[JC004]

...been waiting to see if someone posts this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgd5CxaL68

Let's go with this one.  Get it on the air!

This historical stuff would be great if CAP would claim ownership of youtube.com/CivilAirPatrol and set up a nice non-profit channel.  It drives me nuts that we can't do this.  I've done it for tiny non-profits.

[High Speed Low Drag]

We have a recruiting oppurtunity next weekend.  I think I'm going to take what we have talked about on the board and see if I can make a PSA for my squadron.  Thank goodness I've got an actual top-noch video editing program.

[Rotorhead]

Here are some stories--not PSAs per se, but they are working:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CivilAirPatrolPAO

[High Speed Low Drag]

I just did a little test of some video software I have.  It is based upon the the older "I am Volunteer..." PSA, but I threw a couple of new pics in and added sq info.

Please do not laugh too hard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5ttR7p0JQI

[Orville_third]

"I am a volunteer" has some good points, but two things turn me off. First, it's mostly pictures, not video. Second, the original version ended, not with the Civil Air Patrol logo, but with a picture of someone who shall not be mentioned here. (A Red Cross commercial from a few years back gave a similar impression, only said chairwoman was actually doing something, not only posing, and it ended with the ARC logo.)

[RickRutledge]

I just completed two new :30 radio PSA's for the NHQ PA Office. They are currently pushing them up the chain for approval. I own a production company along with 13+ years in the broadcasting/media industry, for those of you concerned about the quality.

Things for PAOs to keep in mind when approaching local radio and TV:

1) For stories, most outlets operate with a "who cares" attitude. And they should. They're trying to please as many people as possible in a short amount of time, which are incredible odds. State your case for why you need the help and provide them with something that is informational and TO THE POINT. No need for fluff.

2) In the case of PSAs for radio and TV, don't walk in expecting the moon and stars. These outlets are multimillion dollar businesses and are only required a small amount of "PSA" time each year to satisfy their license requirements and to maximize profit these outlets will only satisfy the bare minimum because their is no penalty to keep that level and there is no benefit to increase that amount. Give them what you have and hope for the best. Most likely, these PSAs will air in overnight hours and off peak (6a-10a and 5p-9p) during the day on the weekends, do not be disappointed if you don't hear something about CAP in the 5 O'Clock Traffic Jam.

3) Make yourselves VIRAL. YouTube coupled with social media can turn more heads than you think. If your wing/squadron commander will spring for it, grab a Flip HD Video Camera (SRP $150) and invest (for yourself) in a decent home editing system, then document EVERYTHING!! Keep your cadets in the know on where to find the finished product and have them post stuff...it will generate enough conversation that I'm sure you will begin to see your squadron meetings get a little bigger every month. At least on the cadet side

4) Make friends with the newspapers. These guys are usually the most flexible in being able to "give away" space in their publications...plus it looks good to their readers to see them giving back. From stories, to free ads in the paper or online, just ask.

And finally, before you go off and start telling the world how great your squadron/wing is, make sure potential new members will walk into an organization that is squared away. First impressions are everything, if you run an ad in the paper and suddenly have 20+ new people showing up but your squadron is a Charlie Foxtrot, it will all be for not. PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!

I've provided companies with media strategy for several years and I'm willing to help you guys out with whatever you need in this arena. Feel free to PM me for my email addy and I'll do what I can to "help the ballclub."

Rick Rutledge
COO - CREATE! Media
-Media Strategy
-Radio Consulting
-Media Production