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found naturally in First VPs via the internet and JCLer gossip about Latin kids who, tragically, were somehow not involved in JCL. In the packages I sent the NJCL pamphlet (kudos again to Maya—the new design is fantastic!), pictures from the KJCL scrapbook, a copy of the The Torch: KY, quaint Latin bookmarks made by one of our sponsors, and a persuasive letter to the teachers detailing what the Junior Classical League is and what it had to offer their class, inviting them to discover at our Fall Forum and State Convention. I later made another invitation to all KJCLers (and some OJCLers) to gather at Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt, where we would flaunt our JCL spirit and scream silly with dignity.
I would say it was a good year for me and KJCL; being the First Vice President (and pseudo-President) was awesome. Also, as far as advertising goes, I suggest pulling up your state’s JCL website on as many devices as possible at the Apple Store. If I didn't get kicked out, neither will you (but if so, don't blame me).
Robby Allen
A Letter from the
South Carolina 1st VP
I’m sure many of you hear “publicity” and don’t even know where to start. Coming from the small state of South Carolina, that’s exactly how I felt. My school hasn’t been involved in the JCL for ages; last year I was our sole delegate at the SCJCL and NJCL conventions. That means the main issue I have been tackling as state Vice President and local President has been establishing something to publicize.
Starting from scratch can be daunting, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! The first thing I set out to do was to set a basic foundation to facilitate some degree of communication: Facebook groups, twitters, websites, Google calendars, and Torch newsletters – all the basics that everyone expects but very few appreciate. When you begin, know that whenever you feel comfortable or proud of how far you have come and how much you have accomplished, there will be someone who asks,“ Why aren’t you doing this?” As discouraging as this can be, it is a good thing! It means that people care! And if you have people caring, you’re doing something right. Always be open to suggestions, for they could drive your cause further than you can imagine. In my experience, emails, pamphlets, and flyers have little noticeable effect. Wearing colorful clothes and shouting excitedly at people does seem to make an impression, but I can’t speak as to whether it scares people away or scares people into joining.
I have found three things to be especially effective in hooking teenagers: food, jokes, and above all, stuff. As my Latin teacher says, “bread and circuses, just like old times.” Food is a surefire way to attract members – offer cupcakes and they will surely come. But jokes can be even stronger. At my school we have mascots, like the venerable Magnus Offa who rides on his invisible iguana, and a culture driven by aggressively bad puns. This creates an inclusive fun-loving environment that is undoubtedly familiar to all JCL’ers. But what we kids love the most is stuff. We love things, especially special things. In my opinion, my greatest achievement thus far has been the conception and organization of a club order of sweatpants with “praeda” tastefully scrolled across the posterior region. Never have I seen such enthusiasm from the Latin Nation (I regret to add that my proposed initiative to purchase fanny packs did not receive such a warm reaction).
At the heart of this all is the fact that these things are very dependent on luck and circumstance. There is a lot of trial and error involved. So do something! It doesn’t matter what! You may be surprised who jumps on board as a result.
Bhavani Srinivas
PUBLICITY UPDATE · Torch:U.S. · Spring, 2015
Left: An example and a diagram of a care package that can be used to encourage a school that offers Latin to start a chapter of the JCL.