The practice of public affairs focuses on building and maintaining long-term relationships with stakeholders to affect change. Think about these public affairs programs – Just Say No, Don’t Drink and Drive, Click It or Ticket and the iconic Keep America Beautiful campaign from the ‘70s. Why were these programs successful? Here are key factors:
• Key messages were created to engage public trust.
• Communication was clear and delivered consistently.
• Information was provided to aid decision-making.
• Relationships were developed among many organizations and audiences.
Today, when you hop in the car and buckle your seatbelt, you benefit from effective public affairs.
– Heather Haywood, APR, Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard