public affairs

[emmyloo85]

Does every squadron have their own public affairs department, or is that just something that is handled at the headquarters? I'd like to know b/c I want to volunteer with CAP, and being that I am getting ready to start a career in public affairs/writing/editing/etc., I think volunteering some of my time in that area could be good for a resume. I'd like to volunteer in a lot of different areas, but this one just happens to be something I could benefit from career wise. I live in Louisville, KY.

[coudano]

public affairs in CAP is one of those jobs that gets done at the local level when and where there is someone at the local level who is willing and capable of doing it.

when there isn't such person, it might get picked up temporarily, or done by the commander a bit, but it often gets overlooked.

it's also an area that CAP in general is in dire need of professional help with

Keep in mind as well that there is a difference between public affairs at the local squadron, and mission information officer to release info at CAP missions, especially high profile missions.  Both important skills, but certainly different.

There have been a few people who have taken up the public affairs mantle and really made large strides in progress in that field.  However those shoes are a little empty at the moment.

Good luck!

[RiverAux]

I'm sure that the local unit would be happy to have help in this area. 

[RADIOMAN015]

Your joining and performing the unit PAO duties will be a win, win situation for both you and the squadron :clap:.  By all means make the effort to join.

On the PAO side, the National HQ paid staff does a good job by providing reference material which can be found at:
http://www.capmembers.com/cap_national_hq/public_affairs/index.cfm  the website
http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/R190_001_70FAF7B447A02.pdf The regulation.
http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/P201_E863B3730B059.pdf Specialty track Guide.

All of the above should give you a head start on what the local PAO volunteer position entails.
RM

[emmyloo85]

Wonderful news! Thanks for all the help!

[mjbernier]

Our squadron had been without a PAO for a very long time before I joined. Although my specialty is IT, I have some experience in PA work and I volunteered for the job. It's been a lot of work, but it's also very rewarding to see a press releases published in a local newspaper, or to hear an announcement for an upcoming event broadcast on a local radio station.

But there's another aspect of the job that a lot of folks may not realize. Since I started doing this work, I have noticed an overall change in the attitude around the squadron. Members seem more upbeat, especially the Seniors who have been around a long time; I think the idea that someone might actually be recognizing that we exist and we have a purpose in the community has lifted everyone's spirits. I recently finished reviewing our PA plan for the next 12 months with the command staff, and everyone is excited by the possibilities that could come from my efforts. I hope I can continue to move us forward.

Another thing to remember: you're never alone in trying to figure out how to do your job. While National HQ does have a wealth of information and tools, I have learned as much or more from my peers -- I have had wonderful conversations with PAOs at higher levels (I even had a hour-long phone call with our Region PAO) and learned a great deal from them about where to get background information, ideas for things to write about, and simply how to do things "the CAP way."

One last tidbit that our Region PAO passed along to me: Public Affairs can make or break a unit. If it's done right, it can help you with recruiting and retaining members, raising funds, and building a positive reputation in the community.

Yes, do join and get into PA work -- you'll find it to be challenging yet very rewarding as well.

Mike