Penn State Never Stood a Chance

Saturday's verdict which found Jerry Sandusky guilty of 45 counts of child sex abuse delivered far-reaching consequences in almost every sector of society. There's no denying the hideous events revealed over the past year have been sad, shocking, disgusting and disappointing.

Yet anyone who has ever worked in communications or public relations, or has represented an organization in any leadership capacity, had to give an extra shudder at the staggering vulnerability of Penn State and the implications delivered through that verdict.

Quite simply, there was nothing a communications professional -- regardless of how experienced or well-revered -- could have done to insulate against the profound damage done to Penn State, once an outstanding institution by any measure.

Seemingly overnight, Sandusky single-handedly destroyed Penn State’s character. The university will never be the same. Joe Paterno's legacy will never be the same. The victims certainly will never be the same.

The PR 101 lesson is simple, and humbling to say the least. No matter how well an organization is branded, or how high the quality of its service or product, or how strong its community relations program, or the extent of its stakeholder involvement programs, or the importance it places on employee development, one "bad apple” can destroy its reputation and value in an instant.

Penn State never stood a chance.

Machon Ink Earns New Industry Awards

It doesn't matter how long I've been in the communications industry, I still get a rush earning recognition from peers.  That's mostly because I'm honored to be in the presence of such an impressive, fun and grounded group of people.
At the Sacramento Public Relations Association Cappie awards last week, Machon Ink took home Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for three Feature Writing projects.
What made the evening complete, though, was reminiscing with "old" colleagues -- connections that went as far back as my days at KFBK during my junior and senior years of college.  There were so many familiar faces throughout the night, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up and reconnecting. 
While names, titles and agencies have changed over the years, Sacramento's communications professionals remain a top-notch group -- and I'm pretty thrilled to be part of it.

Supporting Our Returning Soldiers

I've always loved writing because I learn something new each and every time I tackle a story.

One of my recent assignments expanded my world in ways I couldn't imagine. I had the honor of doing a feature on the Fregoso Outdoor Foundation (http://www.fregosofoundation.org/), a California-based nonprofit that takes combat veterans from around the country on outdoor excursions and hunting trips as a way to help them heal and provide them with a well-deserved pat on the back.  With no hunting background and little experience with combat veterans, I had much to learn.

For perspective, I interviewed Brett Miller, an Army Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient who was seriously injured in Iraq in August 2005 when a roadside bomb exploded six feet from his vehicle.  Like many combat veterans, Brett sustained substantial injuries and was diagnosed with PTSD.  He's a remarkable guy with an inspiration journey toward recovery.

Because I was writing for a general interest, family-oriented publication, I couldn't include some of our conversation, but wish I could have.  It's important for civilians -- and more importantly our government -- to understand what our heroes go through upon their return and how much they and their families need and deserve every ounce of support we can provide.  Here is some additional insight from Brett:

"When you're in Iraq for such a long time, you become used to a certain level of endorphins, whether it's from a random bullet zinging past your head or you're clearing rooms or finding landmines.  Every combat veteran is an adrenaline junkie."

"Most veterans, including myself, had to get into this mindset once you got over there and make yourself realize you're already dead.  You're not coming home alive.  Then you can do your tasks and complete your goals in a feverish manner.  You're not thinking about anything else."

"Then when they do come home alive, there's something missing, and they try and fill that void with risky activities, or drugs and alcohol.  There are two kinds of injured veterans who arrive home.  There are those who are going to wrap themselves around a telephone pole, and those who are never going to leave the house."

"That's why a lot of vets like to hunt.  They are away from people and in a familiar environment.  It sounds stupid to a civilian, but when you're a combat veteran, any time you have a weapon in your hands, it's like a pacifier.  It's not about the killing.  When we're sitting in the woods with a weapon in our lap...that's when we can finally relax."

"A lot of people have never actually met a combat veteran. Trips like these provide a chance for civilians to sit down with vets and actually hear their stories and understand what they are going through. It's beneficial for us vets, too. We get to hear their heartfelt gratitude and what’s on their mind. It means much more than just a handshake in a bar, or at the airport."

Volunteering to Make a Difference

When it comes to volunteer work, we've all heard the saying, "20% of the people do 80% of the work, while most of the rest do nothing."

It can be said that inequity applies not just to volunteerism, but to almost every aspect of life -- in homes, communities, governments, organizations and schools. Heck, it could even be a snapshot of our voting process.

Unfortunately, the catchy phrase seems to make those who "do something" come off as martyrs, while leaving those who don't participate comforted knowing someone else will get the job done. The bottom line is, there is a great deal of "need" throughout our communities. It really does take a village. And one person can, and does, make a difference, whether the world knows about it or not.

The other day, a 7th grade peer of my son's greeted me with, "Hi -- you're the mom who helped me learn my math facts in 3rd grade." Yep, I remember that. But was I ever floored this girl did. Hmm... I'd made a difference. Better yet, I love the idea that other adults are making a difference with my own children -- in class, in sports or in life -- without me even knowing.

I've had the opportunity over the years to profile numerous charities, those ultimate volunteers who put societal needs above profit. Those truly are some of my favorite assignments. I absolutely love getting the chance to toot the horn and promote the work of some of the "20%" without the organization having to pay for it. As an added bonus, most of the time I hear back from the groups about a surge in interest from readers following the article. Talk about job satisfaction!

The most recent organization I profiled was the Vision Coalition (www.edhcommunityvision.org) in Northern California, an ambitious effort focused on educating kids about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The nonprofit is led by D.J. Peterson, one of the original founders of the D.A.R.E. anti-drug campaign and a 40-year veteran in the fight to keep California kids healthy.

Ironically, despite his impressive street cred, Peterson's success these days comes from staying behind the scenes. He has personally advocated for, and chased grant funding (to the tune of $3.5 million) to support, the efforts of other established anti-drug programs. Yep, he may be one of the 20%, but through his work, he's empowering another 50+% to make a difference.

I guess my point is this. I know that far more than 20% of the people out there are doing something to make a difference. They have to be. There's so much work to be done. So whether you mentor a child, give a hand up to someone in need or step in to lead a vital program, you may not get publicly counted in the 20%, but you are making a difference. So please keep doing it.

Kids and Social Media -- Protection Must Trump Privacy

When my article on kids and social media first appeared (www.stylemg.com/Style/September-2011/Social-Media-Mayhem), I'm sure more than a few readers (maybe even good friends of mine) rolled their eyes in doubt.
But the more I learn about Internet usage patterns in kids and teens, and the inherent dangers lurking within the anonymous confines of laptops and smart phones, the more I wish parents would pay attention to these types of warnings and not just roll their eyes in dismissal.
When I initially interviewed Jeff Rinek, I was starstruck. Notorious for life, he was the FBI agent who ultimately got a full confession out of the "Yosemite Killer" Cary Stayner. For those unaware, it was an eerie, haunting case that transfixed viewers and readers in early 1999.
Once comfortable with Mr. Rinek's creds, I became once again entranced when he started sharing stories of the FBI underground. You know, those demonic situations that occur in your community but you never hear about them -- because they never make it to the media. It's those "almost happened" or the "we caught him before he" stories that truly left me wide awake at night for weeks.
There is no denying the majority of recent close calls in crimes against children are a direct result of social media portals, as Rinek calls them, into an adolescent's life. It's nothing less than shocking how much your child is at risk once they become wired, even if you are a "friend" of theirs on Facebook.
As adults, we are constantly made aware of new ways the Internet and social media have infiltrated our lives by tracking our purchases or suggesting our friends for us.
As parents, we need to help our kids learn to be hyper vigilant. We should parent our children on the Internet as we would in real life. Hands on and with purpose. It's one of the most important life lessons we can teach them.

Understanding Alzheimer's

Growing up, I never really had any grandparents. My dad's parents had both passed away by the time I was born, as had my mom's dad. Mom's mom was in a nursing home all the way across the country, struggling with Alzheimer's. I didn't know her at all, I only remember meeting her once when I was ten, before she too passed away.

So, understandably I always felt I missed out. I never got to be around older people and experience all their jewels of wisdom and insight on life. Truly, my first experience with the golden generation came when waiting tables as a 15 and 16 year old. Without a doubt, those elderly couples that came in to Perko's Coffee Cup were my favorite customers. They were sweet, considerate, appreciative and always sincerely interested in me as a person, not just as their server.

Now that I'm all grown up, some of my most treasured friendships are with "older" neighbors and friends. Obviously my parents and older relatives top my list although I still can't really admit they are senior citizens.

Ironically, several of the articles I've written over the years have been on Seniors. One of the recent ones was on Alzheimer's...something I really knew little about. In talking to my expert, a local internist who specializes in geriatric medicine, I learned what a devastating disease Alzheimer's can be and how important it is to be able to recognize the signs of dementia vs. occasional memory loss.

As children, friends, neighbors and work associates of "older" people, it's so vital that we not discount symptoms such as:

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure;
Confusion with time or place;
New problems with words in speaking or writing;
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; and
Changes in mood and personality.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, a correct diagnosis can help our loved ones receive the care and support they need and deserve. For all the treasured jewels they have provided us over the years, it's the least we can do. And pray someone does the same for us in time, right?

You Gotta Love California

Now, as a lifelong Californian (except for a four-year stint in Nevada) I may be a bit biased. But last week helped cement my love for our gorgeous state and assertion that there's no place else I'd rather live.
Within a six day period, I skied, golfed and played tennis...all in perfect spring weather. Where else in the world do you get to do that?
What's better, I skied with my 78-year old dad, a lifelong Californian who is fit as a fiddle because he still jogs and works outdoors in his yard every day.
They say we are all products of our environment. Thank God my environment is filled with lots of natural vitamin D and fresh air.