PUT YOUR FACE ON A "THIS CLOSE" AD

Rotarians can now show their support for polio eradication by creating their own "This Close" advertisements and joining an online gallery of supporters worldwide.

At ThisClose.net, Rotarians and the general public can select from a variety of silhouettes making the "This Close" gesture, then add their faces by uploading a photo from their computer, webcam, or Facebook. The ads will appear automatically alongside the hundreds already posted in the online gallery. (click below to read more)

Visitors can share their personalized “This Close” ads with friends and family through e-mail and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. They can also add personal messages of support, view ads from around the world, and see which regions are digitally leading the charge to raise awareness of polio eradication.

Rotary's "This Close" ads were introduced at the 2010 International Assembly. Print ads have since run in several publications, including USA Today , the Chicago Tribune , and the Wall Street Journal Asia . Rotarians who attended the 2010 RI Convention also saw them at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

The ads feature a growing roster of public figures, including Bill Gates, cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate; action movie star Jackie Chan; golf legend Jack Nicklaus; and conservationist Jane Goodall.

You can use the campaign in your community to increase support for Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge, the ongoing effort to match $355 million in challenge grants for polio eradication from the Gates Foundation. Here are some tips:

1. Create a personalized ad at ThisClose.net and share it on Facebook.

2. Download "This Close" materials from the media center or customize an existing “This Close” ad to promote your club's polio fundraising efforts. Learn more in “ How to Create a ‘This Close’ Public Service Announcement.”

3. Incorporate “This Close” materials into your plans when applying for a 2011-12 PR grant.

4. Seek donated or discounted placements from your local newspapers, outdoor advertising companies, and television and radio stations.

5. Invite a local celebrity to participate as a “This Close” ambassador. Ask the person to attend polio fundraising events in your community.