Parkview Huntington Family YMCAVISTA

AmeriCorps*VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)

Parkview Huntington Family YMCA

VISTA Project:
Empowering Huntington County / VISTA Member Name:
Site Name:
Parkview Huntington Family YMCA / Assignment Area:
Marketing / Date:
06/21/2018-06/01/2019
VISTA Member Activities and Steps
Goal
The VISTA will build capacity through the development of marketing campaigns and structures, in order to ensure the site is serving a demographic representative of the community, particularly at-risk youth and low income families.
Become versed in the YMCA organization.
  • Review the history of the national YMCA along with the Parkview Huntington YMCA
  • Learn the organizational structure and the roles of key staff
  • Become versed in the programs and activities the YMCA provides
  • Become knowledgeable about the YMCA fee structure
  • Attend trainings and workshops as recommended by Site Supervisor
  • Visit other YMCAs located in the region
Develop and implement a PR strategy
  • Review current protocol and outline areas of improvement.
  • Develop and expand media contacts for the YMCA.
  • Develop media protocols to be communicated across all departments; create press release template.
  • Implement the protocol
  • Create a policy and procedure manual with best practices
  • Provide Development Director and other staff members with support and materials for speaking engagements based on new protocols

Develop and implement a social media strategy
  • Review current social media accounts and compare to other YMCA’s and local non-profits
  • Identify missing content and research best practices for external communication and engagement
  • Create a timeline and system for maintaining relevant content on the website
  • Create an approval process
  • Share external communications strategy with key staff members
  • Engage tools such as Google adwords to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of communications

Develop targeted recruitment materials for underserved demographics
  • Become familiar with the community organizations the YMCA is partnering with to reach underserved populations
  • Work with community organizations to determine specific barriers and address solutions to barriers for underserved populations
  • Create marketing materials specific to community organizations the YMCA is partnering with, targeting underserved populations

Create calendars and documents to ensure sustainability
  • Create an annual survey for partner organizations serving underrepresented populations
  • Create an annual calendar for marketing pieces targeting underserved populations i.e. Black History, Hispanic Heritage and Disability Awareness months; discounted rates and scholarships
  • Ensure marketing templates are designed to easily interchange pictures and text
  • Create an annual calendar for YMCA staff to speak at partner organizations serving underrepresented populations

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