This post is part three of a three part series. Please see Parts One & Two here.
Communications: This is probably the most visible area of recent and potential change and one that has been discussed the most ministry wide. In working with two terms of international boards and three terms of regional boards, it became very clear where God is at work within PWOC, the chapel and the military at large. We saw the need to be more intentional about reaching out to our military communities and offering the hope of salvation and life in Jesus Christ. For the reasons stated in the Spiritual Development portion of this letter (Addressing PWOC Changes Part 2) as well as the alarming statistics of military divorce and suicide, and the short and long-term affects of war on families, the PWOC Executive Board saw that it was necessary to become more culturally relevant in our graphic look while remaining true to Jesus Christ and His written Word.
In reviewing our overall communications efforts, we found the following:
- We are not consistent with the way we use our logo, both by itself and also with other key PWOC ministry offerings such as W.I.L.D. training, conferences, etc.
- Our logo looked outdated, and would be less likely to draw a new group of women to the ministry of PWOC.
- We didn’t have consistent colors, fonts and messaging points to help ones who didn’t know us readily identify with different elements of PWOC. For example, the past PWOC conferences, training events may not always have a PWOC logo or consistent branded look associated with it. Many on the outside would not have been able to readily identify it as a PWOC event.
- For the most part, publicity materials and development guidelines were not available. Local and regional PWOC boards were left to develop their own publicity items without needed direction. Although we did have a PWOC tri-fold flier, it had a “military” look to it (I affectionately referred to this look as “military fluffy”), which is not appealing to women looking for a group who looked relevant to their current needs.
- Chapel communications were limited to bulletins unless there was a local PWOC spokesperson available to share current activities of its chapter.
- Flow of information from PWOC International to local boards and individual PWOC members was slow moving and sometimes nonexistent.
Based on our findings, the PWOC International Board and its communications team have worked to develop more streamlined resource information and communication avenues. Some of the exciting new items we have developed are following (Note: some items are still in the development process and will be rolled out before the end of the 2008-2010 PWOC International Board’s term):
- A daily blog on our web site
- An official PWOC International Facebook page has been established, which currently has over 2300 participants. Also, regions are beginning to set up their own FaceBook page in order to help further encourage regional area information flow.
- Development of an official PWOC logo guideline
- Future development of a brand guide, which will help every level of PWOC leadership connect all venues and offerings with one consistent ministry experience, look and message of “Christ Centered Sisterhood” within PWOC worldwide. This does not change our Aims or current motto, but is a simple underlying message that we can all connect with by delivering this experience consistently to those who come into contact with us.
- Development of a new PWOC outreach mini magazine (to be ready summer 2010). This customizable magazine can be placed in military locations where women go for services such as medical clinics and hospital waiting rooms, hair, nail and spa locations and shops such as, commissaries, PX, BX, NEX, and even in our own military chapels.
- Development of a new online PWOC International Executive Board Vision video to assist the entire ministry in understanding the overarching vision of PWOC International, in accordance with the current work God is doing within our military communities, chapels and PWOC worldwide.
- Development of a new web based promotional materials such as: a Chapel Designated Offering Bulletin Insert, a customizable local PWOC Kick-off Publicity Flier, an Outreach/Invitation Card and customizable Publicity Fliers for PWOC Bible Studies.
In summary, what we have been doing is aligning the ministry more with the current needs of the chaplaincy and women at large within our military communities in order to reach out to the hurting, the lost and the weary. Our desire is that we bring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the military worldwide and come alongside and bring assistance to our chaplains who have to deal daily with the stresses of the nine-year war we have been in.
We have been given a precious gift from the Lord through this ministry. Our hope is that we shine brightly like a city on a hill by bringing the light of Jesus Christ to the darkness around us within the military and beyond.
May the Lord give each of you a deep passion for the lost, the brokenhearted and those held captive by the lies of the enemy, so that they too can be set free to experience an abundant life in Jesus Christ.
To God Alone Be All the Glory,
Brenda Marlin
President, PWOC International
Align, Arise & Shine!
(2008-2010 PWOC International Board vision statement)
Just as our Aims are what we stand for, our logo/pin represents who we are, and here is what it means:
