Professionals interested in conducting the ACT Program, need to get support for their plans from their own organization’s supervisors and colleagues. Additionally, they need to network with the leadership and staff at other community organizations that share similar goals. It is important to have a plan and strategies to make sure the effort has maximum impact.
Strategies
Create clear, simple, compelling messages about the program
Outline the program objectives and emphasize how they match those of the community’s and potential partners; cite examples of how parents love it; indicate that ACT is affordable, cost effective, can be integrated into other actions, summarize the curriculum. They should inspire desire and action to join the program.
Build or strengthen relationships
Personal contact is powerful. Identify champions and partners within and outside your workplace. Organize meetings and presentations to promote the program, create interest and get buy-in. Show the ACT promotional video, use Power Point slides and distribute the program advertising materials. Share your plans for the program and for securing financial support.
Participate in community events: Use community liaisons
Identify events in the community that focus on parents, children, families, health, violence and prevention. Contact the event organizers about setting up a booth or table. Fliers, posters, cards can be displayed on interesting, eye-catching tables. It is important to follow-up with visitors to the booth or table.
Join community coalitions
Identify those with whom you have shared goals and practices related to children, families, violence and child maltreatment prevention. Join their common efforts in the community and put the program on everyone’s radar for possible collaborations.
Spread the word about the program
Fliers and posters can be displayed at grocery stores, doctors’ offices and clinics, churches, social service offices, community health centers. The purpose is to advertise the program and create a “must join” feeling in the community.
Use social media
Social media tools have become a very effective way to engage broad and specific audiences. The vast majority of professionals and parents are now on social media making it a smart channel for your outreach efforts.
What to do?
- Ask partners to show their support for ACT publicly on the program Facebook page. Ask them to dedicate their profile status in support of ACT.
- Use Twitter to post updates about the program, about upcoming events, schedule of classes.
- Write blogs to engage individuals and organizations to support the program.