It's everybody's job!!

The old adage that what is everybody's job results in being nobody's job is pretty true generally, but exceptions must be made in our singers' Society. While it is true that every member should be actively recruiting and promoting barbershop harmony, every chapter has one or more members who lead the way. We need to identify these people at the chapter level so that we can learn from them, and hopefully provide some assistance and motivation.

In the recent re-organization of the Society the title of Public Relations Officer was not required at the chapter level. Consequently most chapters have not listed a VP/PRO, making it difficult to identify and contact them from the District or Society level. Chapter Information forms will go out soon from Kenosha, let me urge you to see to it that your PRO person is listed there.

Any member in a local chapter who actively promotes the chapter is in actuality the PRO. He does not have to be on the board, he needs no title, he does need to get some recognition for what he is doing.

The lifeblood of the local chapter is performing, which requires PR first if it is to be successful. There are many other facets of public relations, which are essential to growth and accomplishment, all-important, but whether it is an annual show, Christmas show, Singing Valentine or whatever, nothing moves unless there is some PR activity. The chapter bulletin, which is basically internal PR, is equally important in chapter operations.

COTS is the principal educational and motivational effort of barbershopping. Under the outline in the September issue of the Harmonizer we find several courses relating to PR (and bulletins). Every PROBE member needs to attend his district COTS meeting and participate in as many of the following courses as possible:

• 1A - 4 Basics of PR & Marketing;
• 2B - 3 Creative Marketing ideas;
• 2C - 3 Importance of a Chapter Bulletin;
• 3A - 8 Dealing with the News Media; and
• 4B - 4 Internal Public Relations.

All these courses are included in the mandatory curriculum for COTS and need to be well attended in order to renew emphasis on their importance.

PROBE is doing everything it knows to do, as an ancillary volunteer organization with an ill-defined relationship to the Society. The staff in Kenosha designated to work with PROBE, though overworked, is very competent and helpful. Public Relations, under whatever title used, is the cutting edge of the future of barbershop harmony, and needs to be fostered, taught, and encouraged. If you agree that instruction in PR needs greater emphasis in COTS programs, let me urge you to voice your opinion to whomever you know at the district or International level. It's great to have qualified, energetic staff in Kenosha, providing Harmonizer, Update, etc., but the local chapter needs and deserves help.

Your opinion, suggestions, your reaction to contacts with others on this subject will be most welcome.