introduction
In this section we will look at various aspects of this communication, including: communications planning; communicating via the media; and communicating with (central and local) government.
introduction
what's in this section?
Communication is a very broad term that encompasses a lot. In this section we will deal with the type of communication that gives community organisations a voice on behalf of their group and their members. After all, community groups not only exist to provide a service or product, but also exist to give a voice to community concerns.
Such communication activities are undertaken by community groups for a number of reasons, including:
- to influence some kind of change
- to inform people about what they're doing
- to advertise services, products or events
- to attract new members, supporters and donations.
In this section we will look at various aspects of this communication, including:
- communications planning
- communicating via the media
- communicating with (central and local) government.
communication tools
There are a large number of ways to communicate both within an organisation and to external audiences, including:
- written material e.g. annual reports, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, posters, publicity, media releases, petitions, organisational policies, minutes of meetings etc. Key documents can be provided for staff and visitors in accessible places e.g. reception areas
- technology-based material e.g. intranet, internet, email, conference calls, E-news
- radio and TV (via the media)
- phone calls
- direct public influence e.g. protests, public meetings, staff meetings, promotion events, speeches/public appearances
- advocacy (including lobbying and forming coalitions)
- submissions (written and verbal)
- networking (informal and formal).
Illustrations of how some of these tools can be used are given later on in this section or elsewhere in this kit (see Section 10 — Meetings and Section 12 — Information Technology).
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