Community Engagement Ideas from CTC National Learning Community Call

Engaging your community is even more important during these stressful times!  Here are some great ideas discussed during a recent National CTC Learning Community call!

Campaigns

  • Social norming campaign around “Social Distancing”
  • Digital media campaign/hiring a media specialist
  • "Social Distancing Chopped" via Zoom
  • Expanding use of social media campaign to highlight National Prevention Week, May 10-16
  • Collaboration with local hospital to produce video of youth messaging other youth about social distancing

For the Kids

  • Community scavenger hunt ideas: egg coloring and display, teddy bear hunt, spot the rainbow, decorated rocks, hearts
  • Window or sidewalk "Art Walk" or art contest; "Chalk the Walk"
  • Community photo sharing of family activities during "Stay at Home"
  • Coalition "chit-chat" cards handed out with lunches distributed by schools
  • Posting encouraging messages, messages of hope in windows
  • Use of Zoom to provide opportunities for social interaction for kids with age-appropriate activities: show and tell, show your pet, parent meet-up
  • Inserting info (flyers/postcards) into the neighborhood Little Free Library boxes

Community Service Ideas for Kids

  • Provide opportunity for local out-of-school youth to help vulnerable populations: meal prep, delivery, dog walking, shopping, chores
  • Using school 3-D printers to create face masks

General Community Ideas and Resources

  • COVID-19 resources included with mentor-match kits
  • Use coalition as trusted source of information during time when there is so much news and sometimes conflicting information
  • Virtual coffee dates with coalition and workgroup members
  • Finding ways to highlight hope and happiness and avoid information overload
  • Driveway yoga