by Bill Hahn, Public Relations Manager

For members who are active in any of the online social networking sites, you know there are a large number of limited government supporters out there. Especially since the current administration thinks it can legislate solutions for everyone’s problems. And as you and other members and supporters apply pressure to elected officials and continue to educate others about the benefits of individual liberty and freedom, those who believe the government needs to be integral in making decisions for us have undertaken a large smear campaign against those groups and media figures who are key in the freedom fight. Of course, you already know who their favorite target is … JBS.

JBS Council Member Robert Owens recently wrote on his Facebook account, “If you look to who the liberal left targets for its most vicious attacks, there you will find the most effective groups — and the John Birch Society is always there.”

For the first nine months of the year, JBS has received more than 1,300 mentions in the media and on Internet blogs. The print circulation of this is in the neighborhood of 60 million people, with an advertising dollar equivalency of nearly $600,000. Unfortunately the majority of these are negative and originate because JBS is critical of the current administration and other so-called conservatives are calling for a return to the days when JBS was challenged within the conservative movement by William Buckley. Many on both sides of the political aisle want to silence liberty advocates and are calling for a modern-day excommunication of these advocates from the conservative movement.

So while the majority of the media continues to report one-sided information, we enjoy and employ a large communication tool that early Birchers could not have even contemplated: the Internet. This essential tool allows us to network with like-minded supporters across the country with the push of a button or a click of a mouse. So far, the government has not found a concrete way to regulate or hamper the Internet’s existence, and it remains a great way to connect people, ideas, and activities … not to mention beginning and fostering personal relationships with opinion leaders.

With such awakening happening during President Obama’s administration, the time is now to be proactive in connecting with others and making your voice heard on Capitol Hill, as well as locally. In his new book The New Rules of Marketing & PR, David Meerman Scott writes, “The Internet and social media have transformed the way companies communicate with consumers. ‘The New Rules of Marketing & PR’ shows you how to leverage the potential of Web-based communication to build a personal link with your market. Forget old advertising tactics that don’t work online. Adopt the new rules and start a profitable relationship with your buyers and those who influence them.”

Given the potential of the Internet, JBS has just scratched the surface. We have large plans to take advantage of this potential, while harnessing the great educational insight of Robert Welch and sharing this with millions more. The year 2010 will be the springboard to 2012. Keep your eyes on our websites and your email in-box in the coming months. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with our efforts.