firstthings

First Things First
One-Day Training Institute
Marketing Marriage Education to the Community
Julie Baumgardner, MS, CFLE

Even though we know that marriage education can greatly improve the success and satisfaction in
couple relationships, convincing people to participate in classes often feels like pulling teeth.
Learn how the national grassroots organization, First Things First, developed and utilized
innovative marketing and media strategies to reach people with a message about the benefits of
marriage education and how to lure participants through the door – and keep them coming back for more.

First Things First was the recipient of a $5 million dollar federal grant that includes the
development of marriage education marketing strategies and products. First Things First will share
everything they have developed and everything in the pipeline with you.

What participants will learn:
During this interactive session you will learn how to assess and harness the marketing
resources in your own community - both paid and free.

You will know how to create effective marketing campaigns and strategies - how to
overcome the roadblocks and challenges, and how to avoid the pitfalls.

You will create a multifaceted, integrated Media Plan that includes TV, radio, public service announcements,
internet, movies, newsletters, newspapers, magazines, billboards, bus placards, products and give-aways, and etc.

You will understand a range of recruitment techniques for engaging community wide participation -
volunteers, sponsors, faith and community organizations, media, entertainment, politicians, schools, etc.

You will understand how to adapt your work to reach diverse populations.

What you will receive:
You'll will leave with a tool-kit full of ideas to market marriage-strengthening programs and events
with step-by-step, can't-miss guidelines, strategic marketing plans, initiative work plans, communication
and publication ideas, lots of PR samples, and more.

Questions: contact First Things First at: http://www.firstthings.org
Or, 423-267-5383

This institute is part of the week-long Smart Marriages conference.