Public Relations for Nonprofits
In recognition of the need for nonprofit organizations to access their constituency, this Capstone provides communications and
public relations training for a selected organization including the following: formation of a communications program, creation of informational and promotional materials, and practical experience in working with the media.
Students will learn basic public relations skills and methods, and in addition to textbook materials and class presentations, this course may include guest lecturers and field trips to media outlets.
Course Objectives for Public Relations for Nonprofits:
- To work with the community partner to provide consultation and a tangible outcome.
- To learn how to work with the media and provide relevant consultation services for small organizations.
- To gain practical experience in working with the media and small organizations and apply basic communication, public administration, and political science theories, as well as other related disciplines.
Project
Our project was to create an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Terwilliger Parkway in Portland. Working with the Friends of Terwilliger, the class decided to create a running event to create awareness of the centennial and to fund raise. The class created a brochure, made a list of possible sponsors, plotted a course, made recommendations as to the individual price for participation, created a media list for distribution of promotional materials, drafted a logo for the souvenir T-shirts, researched the need for permits, and created a tentative budget for the event.
Friends of Terwilliger (FOT) started informally about 30 years ago to oppose a proposed apartment complex adjacent to the Parkway. In time it became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a...