1. Communication Strategies

2. Communicating via Traditional Media (print, tv, radio and online) Securing placements in media outlets, including radio stations, newspapers and magazines, can raise awareness of your program and generate trust in the community and beyond. The following slides provide steps you can take to communicate via traditional media outlets.

3. Communicating via Traditional Media (print, tv, radio and online) Determine your audience and what program messages you want them to hear. -Keep in mind that programs that benefit the community at large and serve the greater good will be of particular interest to reporters. Emphasize these points in your messaging. Identify target print, television, radio and online outlets. Based on the audience and messages, identify media reporters who would be interested in sharing your story. Develop relationships with reporters at these target outlets through meet and greets, e-mails and phone calls. Keep reporters updated throughout the duration of the program, including: – Program launch and one-year anniversary – Local conferences and events – Launch of searchable database of community resources – Program results

4. Communicating via Traditional Media (print, tv, radio and online) Create a news hook that can attract media attention for your program, such as an event, program announcement, published research, etc. Offer spokespeople for reporters to interview. Provide spokespeople with key messages prior to interviews. Provide photos and videos to media. Follow up with media after sharing the news with any photos or video that helps bring the story to life. Provide ongoing updates to media reporters to maintain their interest in the program and encourage future coverage.

5. Communicating via Social Media Social media has the power to quickly generate awareness and action among groups of people. Determine your audience and what social media channels they use. Based on the audience and appropriate social media channels, establish your own social media channels. – Channels may include: – Facebook-Vimeo – Twitter-Flickr – Instagram-Tumblr – LinkedIn-Vine – YouTube-FourSquare

6. Communicating via Social Media Steps you can take to communicate via social media for Cities for Life: Plan and post social media updates (recommend at least 1x/week) around program updates, milestones, events helpful tips, etc. Re-post or comment on content from other organizations’ social media channels.

7. Communicating via Social Media Steps you can take to communicate via social media (continued): Ask partner organizations to follow your program online and link to your website. Ask Community Action Team members to list program information on their social media channels and link to your searchable database of community resources. Encourage local participants to use social media to share information about the program and share their experiences.