Day of Giving

Give back to your community this October.

By Don Levine, PT, DPT, FAFS

Each month, we provide you with ideas to help you prominently position your practice in your community and partner with some of the organizations that make a difference in the lives of your clients. The PPS Marketing and Public Relations Committee has organized a monthly calendar of causes and events that your practice can use as part of your marketing and public relations initiatives. As November approaches, we turn our thoughts to Thanksgiving, family, and the upcoming holidays. This month’s column ties into the November theme of “Giving.”

I have heard many times that we as physical therapists have a Peace Corps gene. Sometimes it is meant as a criticism, since we give away too much of our time without appropriate compensation. However, I think there is truth in the statement, and while I might be prejudiced, I truly feel that physical therapists are incredibly generous and caring individuals. We are also fortunate because we can make positive changes in the lives of our clients every day! In November—as part of the month of giving—we challenge our business owners to make a difference in their communities by designating a “Day of Giving.”

A Day of Giving is a personal choice for every practice. Give your employees a day (or a half-day) off so they can dedicate themselves to a cause that you and your practice support. November has quite a long list of causes that are celebrated to increase awareness and raise funds. Here are just a few of the month’s causes:¹

• American Diabetes Awareness Month
• National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
• The Care Package Project
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Causes tend to be very personal and near and dear to individuals’ hearts. Most practice owners I know are already actively involved with some local or national organization, raising awareness and funds or helping with events. Involving your staff in the decision on which organizations to support not only demonstrates your caring, but also builds a strong bond with your team and increases the enthusiasm for an event. Sounds like a win–win!

Whatever the cause you choose, remember that it is a marketing moment. Invite the local media and explain what you and your practice are doing to help your community. Video and pictures should be gathered to be used on your website, Facebook page, and your monthly newsletter (see past Impact articles for useful tips in these areas). Do not forget to challenge other businesses to make this part of their October. Giving is Contagious!

The Marketing and Public Relations Committee wish you all the best! We would love to hear about your successes!

Don Levine, PT, DPT, FAFS, is chair of the marketing and PR committee and co- owner of Olympic Physical Therapy with five locations in Rhode Island. He can be reached at dlevine@olympicpt-ri.com.

Note

1. www.fundraisers.com/causes/awarenov.html. Accessed August 2014.