Friends Unite! Conference
Friend to Friend Sharing Session
February 23, 2009
Marketing and Community Outreach
Thank you to the Friends who shared so many great ideas!
Events
Festivals
Bookstore
Newsletter
Website
Educational program for youth/schools
Speaker bureau to civic groups
Guide on Assisted Living van trip to Refuge
Coffee House-photographs of Refuge on display, proceeds to Friends
Press/ newspaper articles
“Sing-off” of local “celebrate the river” song contest at Refuge
Concert for the birds
Local transit company-signs on side-Martha Nudle, FWS-offered template
Partner with local historical organization regarding Refuge lands
Electric company included small flyer in bill about Refuge and Friends
Work day for corporate employees
Put information about Refuge in RVers’ magazine for volunteers/visitors
Fishing Day for kids
Have information included on local business electronic sign board
Public Service Announcement on billboards
Public Service Announcements on cable/radio
PSA/posters at airports
Partner with:
Boy/Girl Scouts
Boys/Girls Clubs
Community Colleges
Vo-Tech Schools
Other Environmental groups
Chamber of Commerce
Big Brothers/Big sisters
Use other organization newsletters to announce a partnership event
Display tables at Cabala’s/Bass Pro Shop
Award environmental scholarship from Friends
Borrow Blue Goose costume from Region Office for events
Use email distribution list
Teacher workshops
Tee shirt/patch design contest for kids- invite class to awards ceremony
Raffle off kayak-award ceremony at event
Art show/Art contest
Offer art classes on Refuge
Classes on nature journaling
Artists decorate bird houses, which are raffled or sold at silent auction
Local artists featured in gift shop
Photo contest
Postcards and other merchandise using photo contest winners
Special postmark from US Post Office
Designated license plate (Lee Metcalf NWR, MT)
Sell memorial/sponsorship pavers for walkways
Refuge/Friends basket of goodies for Silent Auction at other organizations
Partner with local winery-custom label/percentage of profit
Refuges with no access
Web cam
Mobil outreach unit
Demonstration garden
YouTube video of Refuge
Table top display at Regional festivals
Getting locals involved
Find out local interests
Join local organization/co-sponsor events or fundraisers
Participate in local events-Refuge basketball team in tournament
Float in local parade
Open house w/free food
High school group sold food at Refuge event
Oral history event with locals and invite locals
Citizen science-have locations to submit sightings/post sightings
Allow local crafters free table at festivals
Tours of Refuge for locals-off-season, early morning
Clean up of local roads
Facilitated by Kathy Woodward and Lace Blue-McLean