<div dir="ltr">Hello again everyone!<div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to Carolyn from Two Rivers Gallery for sourcing this response from the ad agency that worked with McDonald's on this campaign: <span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“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. </span><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The agency has...flagged the concern and will follow up with the client.</font><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(49,49,49)">”</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0cm;margin-left:0cm;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></span></p><div><b>1. Who to call</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>You can also contact your local media stations where you heard the ad to express your displeasure.</div><div><br></div><div><b>2. BCMA's Response</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>We have focused our efforts today to managing and facilitating your communications. Our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1048785051856616">Facebook group</a> 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!</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>3. Call to Action</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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!</div><div><br></div><div>Good luck and thank you!</div><div><br></div><div>Alyssa, Anissa, Ben, and Erica<br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size:12.8px" color="#000000"><b>Ben Fast</b></font><div style="font-size:12.8px"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">Programs and Member Services Coordinator</font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-size:12.8px"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-size:12.8px"><p style="margin:0in 0in 1pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"><span style="color:rgb(237,125,49);font-family:arial,sans-serif">BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street || Victoria, BC || V8W 9W2</span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 1pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"><span style="color:rgb(237,125,49);font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:14.66px">Office: <a href="tel:(250)%20356-5700" value="+12503565700" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">250-356-5700</a></span><span style="color:rgb(237,125,49);font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:14.66px"> || <a href="http://www.museumsassn.bc.ca/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">www.museumsassn.bc.ca</a><br></span><span style="color:rgb(237,125,49);font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:14.66px">Direct Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/benfaster" target="_blank">@benfaster</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BCMuseumsAssn" target="_blank">@BCMuseumsAssn</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BCMuseumsAssn" target="_blank">BCMuseumsAssn</a></span></p><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-size:12.8px;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><i><br></i></font></div><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-size:12.8px;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><i>The BCMA is looking for 2018 Webinar hosts! Consider <a href="http://museumsassn.bc.ca/professional-development/upcoming-events/webinars/host-a-webinar/" target="_blank">submitting a webinar proposal</a>.</i></font></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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