Purpose: Handle interaction with all media as well as other matters relating to public posts pertaining to the IAR.
PR Team:
Crafts, reviews and edits public statements given by IAR entities (Individual leaders, committees, etc.)
Provides guidance on appropriate wording and approach to public statements. This does not typically include marketing items, but can if the topic is one of general public concern or may involve media coverage.
Provides media spokespersons to handle interviews and media escort during event coverage.
Provides interview subjects at the request of the media for various stories.
Some examples:
Eid press releases
Facebook post on experience as a Muslim at IAR facilities.
If you see public posts disparaging the IAR or misstating information about the IAR.
If you receive any requests from the media to speak on behalf of the IAR or requesting you be interviewed as a member of staff.
If you are uncomfortable responding to a request to be interviewed by the media for a general story about Islam and Muslims. We can assist in finding an alternate interviewee for this media request.
What can I say or not say in public forums as an employee of the IAR?
As a private citizen, you can speak to whom you wish and say what you wish.
Unless you have been directed by IAR leadership to speak publicly about matters concerning your role or the IAR in general, you should refer anyone who asks you to speak on behalf of the IAR to contact the PR team at our email address.
When speaking on behalf of the IAR, our messaging should present a unified voice, as defined and approved by the office of the Imams and the senior leadership of the IAR (Chair, vice-chair, CEO)
Remember that if you mention you are an employee of the IAR in the course of a conversation, any statements you make can be perceived as official statements or policy of the IAR, even if that is not your intent.