History of Centrepoint's Public Relations Channels

From the inception of Centrepoint in 1995, the best Public Relations (PR) resources have always been our members, who continuously spread high praise about the organization. The earliest formal PR channel was in 1996 with the first issue of Horizon, Centrepoint’s newsletter.

In 2008, a colourful pamphlet was created, complete with a refreshed logo, and an organized branding strategy was adopted. In 2009, Centrepoint’s comprehensive and interactive website was aunched. At the 2011 AGM, a new logo was introduced. Rather than simply discarding the older version, our new logo embraces the old - carrying it forward in a fresh modern look. Coupled with the tag-line, this new unified logo clearly conveys Centrepoint’s purpose of being a center for the international community of Basel.

Internal Communication

Centrepoint makes good use of the varied and changing communication tools available today. Short stories, articles, personal profiles, recognition of volunteers and photographic images are regularly created and distributed via primarily the website and Horizon, but also increasingly Facebook and Twitter.

External Communication

Centrepoint endeavors to assist its members with integration within the Basel community. Learning the language, customs and way of life makes living here a richer experience. During the past 5 years, the Centrepoint Chair, assisted by the PR team, implemented a networking strategy to connect Centrepoint with the greater Basel community.

Centrepoint has been invited to sit on several committees to bring issues and concerns of the expat community to the attention of leaders in the city government, social institutions and major charity organizations. Certain programmes, sponsored by the city of Basel, are now open to the Centrepoint community. As a result of these activities, Centrepoint has established itself as a valuable voice for expats in the Swiss community.

The volunteer PR team showcases Centrepoint at the Basel Expat-Expo, where we distribute information, gather feedback, network with other expat groups and attract new members. Centrepoint is also present at the summer festivals of the International School of Basel and the Swiss International School.

Vision

After 16 years, Centrepoint has proven itself to have staying power - a remarkable feat for a volunteer organization with a transient membership. Past PR Chairs have produced varied strategies and concepts for Centrepoint; such as identifying media contacts, developing demographic charts of the Centrepoint community, increasing membership, fine tuning key messages and assuring sustainability. These are all important goals to be carried forward with the support, talent and dedication of our volunteers.