Just Jackie

Amongst all the work, traveling and life-living—I think I failed to acknowledge that I am still in graduate school. Would you believe that I have only four classes left in this semester? It has flown by! The class I am currently in is Public Relations Planning. I think I touched on it a bit back in August, but this course explores the advanced management techniques for public relations programs and campaigns. So what have I been learning [more] about? Research and evaluation techniques, goals and objectives development, segmentation of audiences, development of strategies and tactics, and working within timelines and budgets–just to name a couple of things!

The class has been going great as it’s a solid reminder of what constitutes effective PR planning for campaign development. Throughout the course, my classmates and I have received four case studies to analyze in four areas: community relations, media relations, issues management and crisis communications. In the case studies, it has been our job (as the student) to illuminate and illustrate on the concepts I’ve learned thus far in class.

As the course begins to wind-down, I’m currently working on a PR plan with four of my classmates.  My team and I sought out a nonprofit organization with project and/or campaign planning needs. The organization we are working with is Never Too Late. Never Too Late is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit whose mission is “to bring joy [to seniors] by granting them a wish.” In other words, it’s kind of  like the Make a Wish Foundation but for senior citizens. Never Too Late fulfills wishes of terminally ill and elderly individuals ages 65 and older. Wishes range from meeting celebrities to filling basic needs, depending on the individual’s particular request, which typically takes two weeks to grant.

I’ve worked with Never Too Late’s president and founder Bob Haverstick before and I just can’t seem to get away (in a good way)! Like many nonprofits, this organization has such a unique mission. And as a granddaughter who has been given nothing but love from grandparents—research, planning and campaign development is the least I can do to help a worthy organization like Never Too Late.

So what is the goal?  My PR dream team and I are currently generating a communications framework that will sustain Never Too Late operations. We are preparing research, developing objectives, strategies and tactics, working within a tight budget and creating an evaluation mechanism. At the end of the semester, we will present to not only the class, but Haverstick as well. Let’s hope all goes well!

If you are interested in learning more about Never Too Late or getting involved, I encourage you to visit its website: www.nevertoolate.org. You can also submit wish requests!