Frequently Asked Questions - Public Relations
Our Mission
The mission of the Public Relations Committee is to conquer pediatric cancer by serving as the voice of THON to those outside of the Penn State Community. This Committee strives to educate the public about The Four Diamonds Fund, pediatric cancer, and the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on a local, state, and national level.
What We Do
The Public Relations Committee helps THON by spreading awareness about pediatric cancer, THON Weekend, and The Four Diamonds Fund, outside of the THON and the Penn State Community. We continue to promote THON’s mission of conquering pediatric cancer by informing new and different sources, while ensuring that our current donors, supporters, and volunteers remain informed. In order to continue THON’s increasing growth, it is critical for the Public Relations Committee to find creative outlets for event planning and promotions, as well as establishing new contacts that will help advertise our cause and encourage others to become more involved.
**Public Relations Captains are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Please contact Jony Rommel at Public.Relations@thon.org with questions. Thank you!
The Administrative Assistant is the right hand of Public Relations. This Captain will mediate and delegate requests from the Overall Committee, manage committee projects and tasks, and record meeting minutes. One of the most unique and important responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant is to provide weekly inspiration for the Public Relations Committee. Applicants should be very organized, motivated, and communicative.
The Alternative Media Captains will work to find new and innovative ways to spread awareness about pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. These Captains will explore and utilize the expanding world of online marketing, social media, and new technology to increase publicity. Alternative Media Relations Captains will manage THON's Facebook and Twitter accounts, collaborate to update a blog, and search for new sources of alternative media. Applicants should be creative and have strong computer and communication skills.
The Events Management Captains are responsible for planning and executing several exciting THON events including, but not limited to 100 Days ‘til THON, THON’s presentation at a home football game, and the Mr. and Mrs. THON Pageant. Additionally, these Captains will help with events exclusively for the Public Relations Committee. They will lead a committee that will help to plan and run each event. Applicants should be very organized, willing to delegate responsibilities, and able to create detailed plans for future events. Creativity is also important, as these Captains will be expected to include their own unique flair to each event.
The Graphic Design Captains will have the chance to create and plan all graphics, logos, and promotional materials for THON 2011. These Captains will be responsible for collecting and processing all graphic design requests. They will work closely with the Publication Management Captains to create the Diamond Guide, which is the annual THON Weekend program. As a result, applicants should be organized, creative, and efficient, as they may work on several projects at once. Finally, applicants should be proficient in several graphic design programs (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are a must-CS3 is preferred).
As a Local Media Relations Captain, you will be the primary point of contact between THON and the local press. Tasks will be divided between working with print media contacts and broadcast media networks. Responsibilities of Local Media Relations Captains include communicating with various media outlets, brainstorming new pitch angles, and collaborating to create and send press releases and pitches. You will work to increase the local coverage of pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, persistence, and the ability to create and maintain outstanding professional relations. Additionally, any experience writing news articles or press releases will greatly benefit you in this position.
As a National Media Relations Captain, you will be the primary point of contact between THON and the national press. Responsibilities of National Media Relations Captains include communicating with various media outlets, brainstorming new pitch angles, and collaborating to create and send press releases and pitches. You will work to increase the national coverage of pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, persistence, and the ability to create and maintain outstanding professional relations. Additionally, any experience writing news articles or press releases will greatly benefit you in this position.
The Photography Captains will capture images throughout the upcoming THON season. These Captains will be responsible for the photography of all THON events, keeping track of shot lists and image concepts from Overalls and Captains, and the photo archives. They will also lead a committee that will help them shoot, edit, and organize photographs. A strong background with photography, especially digital photography, is crucial. Applicants should also have great organizational and leadership skills, and display creativity.
The Publication Management Captains will design and layout all publications produced by Public Relations including the Diamond Guide, which is the annual THON Weekend Program. Theses Captains will work closely with the Graphic Design Captains throughout the year on various publications. Applicants should be highly motivated, creative, and proficient in graphic design and layout programs (Adobe InDesign and Photoshop). Finally, experience in publication planning or layout would be extremely helpful in this position.
As a State Media Relations Captain, you will be the primary point of contact between THON and press contacts across the state. Tasks will be divided between working with print media networks and broadcast media networks. Responsibilities of State Media Relations Captains include communicating with various media outlets, brainstorming new pitch angles, and collaborating to create and send press releases and pitches. You will work to increase statewide coverage of pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, persistence, and the ability to create and maintain outstanding professional relations. Additionally, any experience writing news articles or press releases will greatly benefit you in this position.
The Street Teams Captains will develop, plan, and execute several unique marketing campaigns that will be displayed around State College and beyond. These Captains will lead a committee that will play an integral role in spreading awareness about pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. Street Teams Captains will work to increase awareness and to help garner new public support, while continuing to inform THON donors and volunteers. Applicants should be very efficient, organized, and innovative.
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