An old saying goes that communication always fails, except by accident. In Rotary, communication plays an important role. Without it, Rotarians would not know what the other 1.2 million Rotarians, or even the club next door, are up to, let alone learn from one another. Without it, no outsider would know who Rotarians even are or anything about all that Rotarians achieve.
That is exactly why the District Public Image Committee exists: its task is to bring the Rotary activities and service projects of our own district to the attention of the general public and thereby help raise the esteem in which Rotary is held. Equally important is increasing understanding among Rotarians themselves and making sure that information flows.
The Kruununhaka–Katajanokka city newspaper picked up a story tip and wrote about the autumn 2026 Baltic Herring Rowing Event (Silakkasoutu).
The Public Image Committee is the voice of the district, both internally and externally. It is responsible for the district’s internal and external communications and their development, and prepares a strategy-based communications plan for the district. The committee shares, and helps others share, information about Rotary, takes care of publicizing district projects and important events, and supports clubs in their communications.
In everyday practice, communication runs largely through email and websites and Facebook pages, within the district, between the district and clubs, and among members. Maintaining the district website also falls to the committee: what ends up on the site is whatever the governor, committees and clubs submit to the team. For matters that clear the newsworthiness threshold, the committee also contacts the media, most recently in connection with the Baltic Herring Rowing Event (Silakkasoutu).
The district’s communication channels are:
- District newsletter, sent from the sender name Rotarypiiri D1420
- Website
- Email – direct mailings to Rotarians from Info D1420 or the Rotary Office
- Facebook page
- Facebook group
- Instagram account
- LinkedIn account
Social media contributors wanted
For Rotary’s voice to reach more ears, we need to get our social media channels properly into use. That is why we are now looking for enthusiastic people to join our social media team! Come and help develop the district’s social media channels, communications and marketing. If you are an eager beginner, we will help you get started and train you in using the tools. This is a great opportunity to learn and practise skills that will be useful in other areas too. Send a message to communications@rotarypiiri1420.org, and let’s talk!
Training for clubs
In the coming months, the Public Image Committee is organizing two training sessions for those responsible for club communications.
- Training in updating the club website (WordPress), 25.11.2026 (in Finnish)
- Social media channels + visual design with Canva, January 2027
Cover photo: Communications training at the RLI course
