A major barrier to introducing a new program to a community is pushback.
From staff concerns to not assessing whether the program is needed, failure to determine if your program is the right fit for a new community can lead to negative outcomes for the program and for your organization.
Bringing a new program to a community your organization has no relationship with requires careful consideration and a thoughtful approach. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
Assess & Learn
Engage with community members and key leaders to understand the how your program can address unique community challenges. Prioritize ethical considerations, to respect community autonomy and program alignment.
Educate & Communicate
Clearly communicate what your organization does and the program’s purpose and goals to the community. Provide educational materials and resources to ensure that everyone understands the benefits and objectives.
Build
What skills and resources will your staff need in order to manage and sustain your program in this new community? Identify areas where education and capacity building is needed and work collaboratively to strengthen their capacity.
Collaborate
Who are the key community players (schools, local organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, etc.)? Thoughtfully engaging these entities improves how you outreach, engage, and sustain program participation. This also helps with your organization’s reach and credibility.
Evaluate & Adapt
Regularly evaluate how the program is performing to make data-driven decisions and improve the program over time. Use the data to make adjustments as necessary to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to community needs.
Sustain & Co-Own
Develop a long-term program and community engagement sustainability plan. Consider what’s needed for the program to operate after the initial launch. Explore how to work with the community in the co-ownership of the program encouraging active participation and engagement.
Key Takeaway
Thoughtfully engaging the community as you launch your organization’s program not only ensures it’ll be well-received but also establishes a lasting relationship with the community.
Raise Your Voice: What does your organization consider when bringing a program to a new community? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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