Topic(s):
Advocacy, Communication, Community Engagement, Data and Evaluation, Funding

Description:
Park and recreation professionals traditionally have relied on emotional appeals to justify services and spending, using statements such as, “Look what we do for the community,” “Children need a safe place to play,” or “The trees need to be saved.” While these points are valid and meaningful, the messaging must evolve to address the priorities and needs of decision-makers to ensure continued support for park and recreation initiatives. Effectively telling your agency’s story is essential in today’s competitive landscape for building strong relationships with stakeholders, participants and the community. This session, “Show Up and Show Off: Making Your Agency’s Story Stand Out,” will address the critical need for agencies to articulate their mission, values and impact clearly and compellingly. Participants will learn strategies for identifying key messages, utilizing various communication channels, and engaging their audience emotionally and intellectually. This session highlights the importance of storytelling in enhancing agency visibility, fostering trust and securing support. By mastering these techniques, agencies can ensure their stories resonate and drive positive outcomes for their programs, agencies and the communities that they serve.

Speaker(s):
Molly Keays
Chris Nunes