Skip Navigation
 
 
 
 
Community Toolbox
 

The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program created this toolbox to help communities work together to achieve common goals. The toolbox contains tools and methods that community partnership staff may use when working on community projects.



Decision Making Tools


decision making graphicComing together to decide on a common objective shared by groups and individuals involves special techniques. Community partnership staff and others who work in the community may find this section useful to start a decision making process. Consensus Building, Defining Issues, Goal Setting, and Setting Priorities are among the topics covered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Event Tools


events tools graphicEvents serve as a way to engage a community and plan events. Art Projects, Awards, Conferences & Symposiums, and Festivals are among the topics covered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathering Tools


Gathering tools graphicWhich discussion forum will be the most successful for a given purpose? Community partnership staff may find this section useful when planning gatherings for the discussion of community goals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facilitation Tools


Facilitation tools graphicEffective facilitation can help move projects and activities forward. This section explores communication techniques communities and leaders may use when working towards common project goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organization Tools


Organization tools graphicA project's organizational structure strongly determines its success. Community partnership staff and others who work in the community may find this section useful when organizing teams and deadlines. Topics include Project Steps, Task Forces, Volunteers, and Work Plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visual Communication Tools


Visual communication tools graphicIt's best to draw attention to a project using visual communication. This section discusses how best to visually promote events, projects, and activities. Topics include Displays, Presentations, and Videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written Communication Tools

Written communication tools graphicWritten communication is a great way to raise awareness of community activities. Community partnership staff and others may find this section useful when promoting an activity. Topics include Brochures/Flyers, Newsletters, Newspaper Questionnaires, and Press Releases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collecting Information Tools


Collecting information tools graphicValid information is critical to any project's success. This section offers tips on how best to gather information for community projects and events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outreach Tools


outreach tools graphicConnect with the community using proven outreach practices. Community partnership staff and others may find this section useful when increasing community support. Networking Database, Postcard Mailings, Press Conferences, and Using a Speaker's Bureau are among the effective methods discussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to top


Community Toolbox. National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. n.d. English.


Last Reviewed: March 2010