The Role of Today’s PAO 

Julie DeBardelaben, NHQ/PA

Maj Steven SolomonNational Public Affairs Officer

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In today’s technologically driven world, the rules of engagement have changed.

Where should PAOs spend their time to get the most bang for the buck?

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Attendees will come away from this seminar with a clear understanding of critical needs and how to achieve them in communicating and promoting CAP’s defense-related missions and accomplishments, i.e., how to be a successful PAO and still have time to smell the roses. 

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First things first.

Are you enrolled in the PA Specialty track?

Have you read CAPR 190-1?

Did you review the How-to Guide for CAP PA?

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If yes, great.

If not, or you’re putting it off, how come?

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Because the 1st step is doing your homework!

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Know CAPR 190-1 forwards and backwards. And it’s revised nearly every year, so look for updates!

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Study the “How-to Guide for Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs.”

A committee of expert PAOs reviews and recommends revisions on a regular basis to keep it current and useful!

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Also, have you taken all the relevant FEMA courses that are offered?

Online:IS-29 – PIO Awareness Training IS-702.a -Public Information Systems

In person, locally:IS289 - Public Information Awareness IS290 - Basic Public Information Officer IS291 - JIS/JIC for PIOs

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Have you looked for help from colleagues in other organizations, by joining like-minded professional associations?

IABCNational Information Officers AssociationPublic Relations Society of America

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But what if you’ve done all you can to prepare and you’ve hit the wall?

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Find a mentor!

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“Mentors inspire, encourage, and support you, and contribute to your professional and personal development. You can expect to strengthen and build your network, and gain the skills and confidence necessary to excel.”

-- Air Force Mentoring Program 

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Ask a CAP member you respect, has PAO/PIO experience, and you think can offer you guidance to be your mentor.

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You’ll need at least a six-month commitment from your mentor, as well as accessibility by telephone, email and in person.

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Mentee DON'Ts:Ask for advice on everything. Have a purpose in each request.Blame the mentor if his or her advice doesn't work out.Expect the mentor to know all the answers.Commit yourself to obligations you cannot keep.Cancel meetings/visits with your mentor at the last minute.-- Air Force Mentoring Program 

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 Mentee Dos:Take a proactive role in the relationship.Understand what you want from the mentoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor.Set aside time for the mentoring process and keep all scheduled appointments.Put the time with the mentor to best use.Come to meetings prepared with topics.

-- Air Force Mentoring Program 

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 Using the knowledge from your homework (CAPR 190-1 and the How-to Guide, FEMA courses, colleagues in professional organizations, and your mentor, it’s time to refer to your unit’s PA Plan.

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 If your unit doesn’t have a PA Plan (and a Crisis Plan too), it will be dinged during a SUI/CI. So produce one quickly!

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  The Four Step Planning Process in Public Affairs

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Step 1 Determine PA needs and opportunities. Step 2 Establish goals. Step 3 Establish action strategies for each goal. Step 4 Determine effectiveness (evaluation).

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Step 1: Determine PA needs and opportunities.

Simply provides background information about your wing/squadron.

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Step 2: Establish goals.

Get these from CAPR 190-1 and your commander!

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 Step 3: Establish action strategies for each goal.

CAPR 190-1 requires implementation of goals that target public awareness and networking.

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Step 4: Determine effectiveness (evaluation).

Refer to the “ways to evaluate success” statement(s) for each goal.  

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For an online tutorial, go to http://www.capmembers.com/,

click on CAP National HQ, click on Public Affairs, and click on How to prepare a Public Affairs plan.

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