How-To Tools

6 Ways to Reach Out to Your Community

Reaching out and sharing with the community can become a natural part of what you do. Some of the best ways to reach out to the community happen in our everyday experiences of going to the grocery store, at the kids’ soccer practice or working on a community project. The key to reaching out is making sure that you’re prepared to share about your ministry or non-profit group when opportunity arises.

Conversations about your organization can happen anywhere. As I look at ways that have been effective for my work in ministry and non-profits, I pass these ideas on to you.

1. Keep brochures, invite cards and newsletters handy. While out and about, be sure you have a small stash of communication tools available and ready to share with the community. I love invite cards with the name of the church or non-profit, worship/meeting times and a brief description of the activities. For example, you may be at the gas station and someone notices your bumper sticker and asks you, “Where are you located?” That’s all you need to share information about you. Be ready.

2. Maintain an email database mailing. Continually add to your email database so that you can keep people in the community aware of your ministry or non-profit. For example, as you are in the community and conversations come up about events or activities, ask for their email address so you can keep them posted. Adding to your database or listserv is a great way to stay connected to the community.

3. Inform the community leaders. Every community has people who influence others. These persons can be elected officials, neighborhood association leaders, heads or organizations or others. Find ways to keep them in the loop about who you are, what you do and how your ministry or non-profit serves the community. You may be surprised at how this impacts getting the word out.

4. Invite at least 3-6 people each week. Always invite people to be a part of what you do. As you circulate in the community, extend invitations to friends, family and yes even strangers. Encourage other staff and volunteers to do the same. This might just be your bulletin or newsletter announcement.

5. Get out of the office. Sometimes the obvious must be stated. Find ways to get involved in the community so that you as one of the leaders of your congregation or non-profit comes in contact with the community. It’s so important to have hand-on activity with people you serve. This may take the form of serving on boards, volunteering for a community event or working on a city assigned task force. Whatever you do stay visible.

6. Wear your ministry or non-profit. I have a shirt with my church’s name on it. Whenever I wear it someone says, “Where is that church located?” I often wonder if I did not have it on would they have said anything. If you have not, consider getting hats, t-shirts, key chains, car magnets or other clothing for volunteers and staff to wear. These items become walking billboards.