Networking
Database
Most organizations and people network with others all the time.
Starting and maintaining a networking database focuses and organizes
people's efforts. If a project or an organization wants to build a
strong public involvement base, this is an effective way to do so.
While setting up a database can require a substantial amount of time
upfront, after that, we find this practice easy to implement and
easy on the budget — after all, it's simply people talking to people
and then writing a few notes. See Networking
Database
Postcard Mailings
Postcards are easy to use and a relatively inexpensive format to
reach large numbers of people. Mailing postcards can be so easy, it
is important to ask if they will be worthwhile. Will it be read?
Will it be returned? For postcards that are giving information, we
find they work best if used in conjunction with other tools such as
press releases, posters and flyers, and public meetings and
workshops. Regardless of what kind of postcard you are using, keep
the format in mind: postcards are small so the message must be short
and concise. See Postcard
Mailings
Press Conferences
If there is breaking news or an event that will draw high-profile
participants like elected officials, entertainment stars, or
athletes, this is the time to call a press conference. The news
media offers an important and powerful means of communicating
messages to broad audiences. Sometimes the attention a project
receives is not necessarily positive such as when significant
controversy surrounds proposed actions. Our advice is to take a
proactive approach in working with the media to help ensure that
their reporting best reflects your own message and position. See Press
Conferences
Speakers' Bureau
Use a speakers' bureau anytime you need to spread the word about
your project or if you are trying to gather public input. People are
busy; they may not be willing to come to a public meeting about a
project because of schedule conflicts, distance, not driving at
night, or many other reasons. By sending speakers out to regular
meetings of civic and church groups, service organizations,
neighborhood associations, and other types of clubs, we have been
able to reach many more people. See Speakers'
Bureau
Websites
More and more people are turning to the Internet to find stuff
and get answers to questions. As a result, it’s becoming assumed
that every group is going to have a web site. While some see it
replacing printed literature, be careful of taking that route since
not everyone has a computer nor does everyone feel comfortable
surfing online. But if a web site is easy to navigate and shows a
complete, honest picture of the organization, it can be another
effective outreach tool and an ongoing perk for members. See Websites
See also:
Community Tool
Box
