Author

Meghan Rimol

Bound Volume Number

Volume VII

Degree Type

Honors Capstone Project

Date of Submission

Spring 5-2016

Capstone Advisor

Rochelle Ford

Capstone Major

Public Relations

Capstone College

Public Communications

Audio/Visual Component

no

Keywords

the development of the Londonderry Rail Trail

Capstone Prize Winner

yes

Won Capstone Funding

no

Honors Categories

Professional

Subject Categories

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Abstract

This project uses applied public relations research and theory to plan, implement and evaluate a campaign in partnership with nonprofit organization Londonderry Trailways to facilitate the development of the Londonderry Rail Trail in the town of Londonderry, New Hampshire. Using formal organizational analysis and research techniques, this project explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the organization relative to the Rail Trail project and outlines a comprehensive plan to address these issues. This plan, which was implemented between June 1, 2015, and January 1, 2016, includes a digital media campaign and various promotional events aimed at engaging key stakeholders and expanding local awareness of the Rail Trail project. This campaign has been effective in achieving its objectives, as demonstrated by exceeding social media engagement targets, seeing 20 new contributors (2.6 times the goal), six media placements and raising $3,509 ($1,000 more than the goal). Finally, recommendations are provided for future public relations efforts to continue facilitating the development of the Londonderry Rail Trail, and for organizations addressing similar issues in the construction of local community trails.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

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