The Importance of Civil Responsibility is Paramount After Orlando Tragedy

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The words 'terrorist shooting' are words that I never thought I’d write. I grew up in the mid 80's and never had to worry about terrorism until 9/11. I've never had to fear going somewhere with large crowds, places like music festivals, nightclubs or Disney World for that matter. Living in Tampa, Fla., where we are surrounded by amusement parks, award-winning beaches, and a bustling downtown area, I never wanted to believe that a terror attack could happen here or so close to home.  But, it has.

We have all been shaken by the tragic shooting in Orlando, but we have to be strong and take action. We must fulfill our civil duties to help others. As a woman and business owner of a public relations firm, it’s my responsibility to speak up and encourage businesses and organizations to help the community, help the victims, their families and friends through this devastating time.

PR is often connected with publicity, but it’s actually about much more. It's about connecting businesses and people through relationships. It’s about helping businesses reach their full potential – and much of that is through their civil responsibility to support the community or causes that impact us locally. So, I want to personally encourage you reading this, you and your place of work or business can and should help our country at this time. This shouldn’t be viewed as a way to capitalize on 'publicity' or send a political message; this is a time to roll up your sleeves and do something that matters.

Here are some ideas to help your company or organization get started:

1. Set up a fundraiser for victims and families. In addition to the heartbreak, families are struggling with, they must also deal with medical costs, planning a funeral and paying for it. While we can never mend their hearts, we can at least help bridge them financially through this time. Just as a neighbor would come by and bring dinners or casseroles to a family in a time of need, organizations can do their own goodwill gesture to offer beneficial family services or raise much-needed funds.
2. Get active. A physical demonstration like a 5k walk, a time of holding hands, or another group event can also be meaningful. You can tie in a fundraising element to this as well. This can mean a lot to the families involved as they see so many coming together in love to support them.
3. Utilize social media. Social media is probably the best way to communicate on behalf of your organization these days. Show your support through this medium for a no cost effort to lend support.
4. Join an event. Perhaps timing and limited funds make it impossible for you to serve as host to a fundraiser. Search for local events that are taking place to support the victims and families, and get your organization involved. This will bring a sense of solidarity to your team, the community and it will show the victims and families that many people stand beside them.
5. Don't stop. Last, don't stop your efforts. Unfortunately, this issue isn't going away anytime soon. We must show how strong we are as a community and a nation. Implement ways to keep the momentum going. Families and friends of the victims will remember these acts of kindness forever, so make sure your actions are authentic and your heart and organization are in the right place.

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