[BCMA] Follow up to today's McDonald's events - and what you can do next

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello again everyone!

Well, it has been a busy day at the BCMA office!  Thank you to everyone who
shared their thoughts about the recent McDonald's ad campaign that
negatively references museums and their value.  We have been following
closely and have some information to pass on after everything today.

Thanks to Carolyn from Two Rivers Gallery for sourcing this response from
the ad agency that worked with McDonald's on this campaign: “The creative
direction is intended to showcase that a $5.00 Museum Tour would be short
as would a $5.00 Limo Ride (their TV commercial).  Their intention is not
to portray museums in a negative fashion. The agency has...flagged the
concern and will follow up with the client.”


*1. Who to call*

If you have heard the McDonald's ad in question and wish to contact
McDonald's directly, you can call Adam Grachnik, External Communications
Manager at 1-877-786-3342.

You can also contact your local media stations where you heard the ad to
express your displeasure.

*2. BCMA's Response*

The BCMA has been following today's discussions and actions closely.  We
are impressed by the sector mobilizing itself within local communities and
for finding ways to use this opportunity for advocacy about the great work
museums do in this province.  We ourselves have spoken with CBC in Prince
George and will share some media links as they become available.

We have focused our efforts today to managing and facilitating your
communications.  Our Facebook group
<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1048785051856616> has had a lot of new
members join, and a lot of good discussions.  Tomorrow, we will create our
own response to the McDonald's ad, providing a true picture of the value
and importance of BC museums.  Look for this response on our social media
channels late tomorrow or early Friday, and please help us get the message
out by sharing it widely!

*3. Call to Action*

One member organization made this great proactive suggestion: Speak with
your visitors, funders, media, community, schools, etc. and talk with them
about how far their $5 goes.  Encourage them to donate their $5 to your
organization, supporting local long-term quality education programs,
innovative exhibits, and vital community services.

This is our opportunity as a sector to make a positive outcome out of a
negative situation.  Your work advocating for your organizations, your
sector, and your communities will show just what $5 can do.

Please continue to send us information on your media appearances, your
conversations with local media and ad agencies, and especially any
successes that come from building new awareness or new partnerships within
your community.  And don't forget to watch for BCMA's response tomorrow!

Good luck and thank you!

Alyssa, Anissa, Ben, and Erica

-- 
*Ben Fast*
Programs and Member Services Coordinator

BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street  || Victoria, BC || V8W 9W2

Office: 250-356-5700 <(250)%20356-5700>  || www.museumsassn.bc.ca
Direct Twitter: @benfaster <https://twitter.com/benfaster> Twitter:
@BCMuseumsAssn <http://www.twitter.com/BCMuseumsAssn> Facebook:
BCMuseumsAssn <https://www.facebook.com/BCMuseumsAssn>

*The BCMA is looking for 2018 Webinar hosts!  Consider submitting a webinar
proposal
<http://museumsassn.bc.ca/professional-development/upcoming-events/webinars/host-a-webinar/>.*
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