STEP 8: NETWORKING AND OUTREACH
8.1 Design and print your project brief main leaflet : this helps outreach and engagement, network it around local groups in the area and put it up in visible places of high footfall and key nodes of the local community e.g. libraries, shopping zones, other centres / projects etc.
8.2 Create a networking area : Notice boards, tables with info racks, containing leaflets from groups and projects in the local area. Displays, exhibitions, Multi media info screens e.g. tablets, TV screens / monitors – showing eco info, local community projects and groups, eco solutions, entertaining and informative short films.
8.3 Create a website, main contact phone number, project email / social media : Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, A3/ A4 Posters. Put a beautiful well designed sign / banner out front in a highly visible place. It’s really important to get the outside centre info board, banner looking great asap as this brings footfall into the centre.
8.4 Remember face to face talking to people is probably the most important form of networking and the most effective. A phone call to someone is more likely to get results than numerous social media. An inspiring conversation will bring people in and get them involved….to start the great adventure…
8.5 Create a basic donations request letter to show to companies, shops, projects etc to get things donated for free to the community project. Food, paint , tools , equipment, furniture etc see Appendix F
8.6 Notice boards – external to the public and internal for events ,
Displays : eco solutions, upcoming events,how project runs, decision making process, Rotas , wish list, swap shop etc
8.7 Display Prominently – Things we need / WISH list – it has really worked over the decades eg – People to help, food, paint, tools, furniture, rope, tents, flapjack, chocolate, cake, art materials, books, electric vehicle, solar panels, old bikes, computers, cuddly toy, washing machine! The community will bring you what is needed, also check https://www.freecycle.org
8.8 Display Prominently a ‘Things to do list’ / jobs etc…a clear list of jobs to do / missions / skills needed. People will see how they can get involved and help easier eg cook a meal, gardening, sign up for a rota shift, organise library / free shop, fix a bike, share skills, fix roof, clean toilets, admin, graphic design help, volunteer etc
8.9 Liaison / outreach to neighbours / community – very important to reach out to communicate and befriend local neighbours groups and businesses. Go out with a project leaflet and explain what you are doing and ask them to help. Its for all the environment community and all future generations important that we ACT NOW and COOPERATE – THIS IS A CLIMATE EMERGENCY
8.10 Press and media : One of the best ways to publicise the centre and outreach to the public is via a media article – the media and messaging group can prepare a press release for this.
Over the 30 years we have found that many groups, companies, projects , businesses and local people will share, donate and give all sorts of resources for free to good community projects , so make your wish list and take action , all you need will manifest. Keep networking.
