Polio Eradication Publicity Campaign gets underway in Derby

Polio Eradication - 16/9/2002

Major publicity events in Derby and Nottingham aim to boost public awareness of the campaign. The first one, kindly hosted by the Mayor of Derby (Councillor Robin Turner) took place on Monday 16 September. The Nottingham one is currently being arranged.

Both events aim to give full briefings about the campaign to a) the mass media and b) people and organisations of influence within the community, thus facilitating the fund-raising efforts of clubs.

Prior to the Derby event, detailed information about the campaign was sent to 35 press radio and television organisations who operate within the District 1220. Similar information was sent to around 75 people and organisations of influence, primarily within the Derbyshire part of the District (their counterparts in Nottinghamshire will be covered by the Nottingham event which will also target the media throughout the District).

For the Derby event "people and organisations of influence" fell into the following categories.

1. Public figures - e.g. the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff

2. Community Leaders - e.g. councillors and leading members of communities who have connections with the countries where polio is still endemic

3. Business leaders - e.g. as represented by the Southern Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce

4. Directors of Education - because of their contacts with schools

5. Kindred organisations - e.g. Scouts, Guides and the W.I. who raise money for worthy causes.

The Derby event went well and was attended by 24 people. The format was: -

The Mayor - opened the proceedings
Keith Hammond - explained what the campaign was about
Anne Robertson (a PDG from Kentucky) - gave things an international
flavour
Peter Jay (a polio survivor) - gave the campaign a ringing endorsement on
behalf of the British Polio Fellowship
D.G. John Bendall - brought the event to a conclusion after question time.

During the event, the exhibition (produced by Val Lindley for the District Conference) was on display. The video "Fulfilling Our Promise: Eradicate Polio" was shown at regular intervals.

In addition to helping clubs with their polio eradication activities, it is hoped that the Derby and Nottingham events will raise the Rotary profile and increase public awareness generally of the work being done by clubs within their local communities.

Detailed information about the event is available from Keith Hammond or any member of his committee.

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