Learning Reflection Round # 1: Aug. 26 - Sept. 8

The importance of team work

My first week at the Fox Valley Park District came slow (I could not wait to start!) and went fast as I had the chance to witness from a firsthand the dynamic atmosphere at the busy marketing department. I learned that everyone there contributes to the success of the park district’s activities and programs in one way or another. The print guide, the brochures, the social media efforts – all is carefully created, examined and edited from at least two people with the idea to prevent crisis communication. And when this happens, it is all about team work again: everyone pitches in to offer ideas for future improvement.

Constant Contact as a form of Email Marketing

The Fox Valley Park District uses Constant Contact for email marketing. According to people’s interest staff members email all sorts of information to the appropriate contact list.

I had the opportunity to explore this email boosting software and as I am getting more comfortable with using it, I am sure that my experience with Constant Contact will benefit me in my professional future.

Surveys as a form of research
The FVPD uses surveymonkey.com to analyze its audience, or simply put, to learn what people think about the programs, services, and facilities.

For me, it was interesting to explore  and to learn about the different surveys the park district offers to the public. The opinion of the public matters, and the park district is on the right track to rely on the answers provided by the community.

Many times, people will write passionate comments and- understandably- will leave their names out, but after seeing these comments from a first hand, I completely agree with Fraser P. Seitel who writes in The Practice of Public Relations that "Every public relations program or solution should begin with research. Most don't, which is a shame".

The FVPD- without a doubt- takes its public seriously, and by surveying it provides an opportunity for two-way communication.

Special Events and more
Every month, the park district offers an enormous amount of interactive programs, but the ones that costumers prefer the most, are the special events. By surfing the web page, people can find detailed information on what is going on at all of the park district’s locations and facilities. It is essential then for staff members to constantly update the calendar with the needed information – description of the event, fee, and age of participants.

My first independent task as an intern was updating the website’s calendar with information about the upcoming special events for the months of September and October. By doing this, I learned about the diverse events offered by the park district, and even made arrangements with friends to anticipate in the Fall Harvest.

In addition, I had the opportunity to surf the park district's website from the inside out instead of the other way around as a costumer.