Social media or traditional media – the debate rages on.

Meanwhile, many marketers and public relations professionals are shying away from  traditional TV, newspapers and radio.  But there is evidence that publicity via traditional media still has the power to create action.

A brief case review:  Nancy Zieman, host of Sewing with Nancy, interviewed Rachel O”Neill, the founder of Little Dresses for Africa. Each time the interview airs, sewers throughout the country jump into action making pillow case dresses for orphaned girls in Africa.  Blogs throughout the sewing world light up as more sewers become aware of the mission.  Further proof – A quick Google search reveals hundreds of comments and a growing web of connected blogs supporting Little Dresses for Africa.  Over and over, the Sewing with Nancy TV segment is sited mentioned as the reason for participation. Now, that is a publicist’s dream.

According to Rachel O’Neill, founder of Little Dress for Africa,  “Sewing with Nancy has been an amazing opportunity for Little Dresses for Africa, to get the word out all across the country.  We have been amazed with the response.  You can tell from my inbox just when and where it airs as the responses are almost immediate.  They were wonderful to us and very professional.  I have been delighted with not only the response but the high quality of talent of the people responding.  It has really been a blessing to our organization and has really moved us to the next level.”

I am no exception.  Because sewing is a hobby of mine, the interview inspired me to use my ever-growing fabric stash to make dresses for the project. I am on my seventh dress and counting…

Having spent time in several African countries, I know, first hand, how much these dresses will mean to the girls who receive them.  If you would like to support a cause that can truly change lives, consider supporting Little Dresses for Africa. You don’t even have to sew; there are other ways to get involved.

Amelia Brazell, Strategy Source, Inc.