Communications & Advocacy
![](https://www.paleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/10531437_10202851819240655_1334412046762633203_o-e1567647420388.jpg)
It is the Board members’ responsibility to assure proper communication of the district’s goals and needs between the District, the community, elected officials and its partners.
Internal Communications
Between board and manager
- Communicate the district’s vision and mission to the manager and staff
- Close and regular communication between the board and manager
- Appropriate chain of communications
- Regular transfer of information between manager and board between board meetings
- Participation on committees
Facilitate Internal Communication
Assure that there is an adequate internal communication between management, staff and the board:
- An established chain of command and information exchange
- Regular staff meetings
- Appropriate staff input to board decisions and policy making
- Appropriate staff participation at board meetings Interaction of staff, board and partners on committees
Seek informal opportunities for communications through activities such as
- Retreats
- Special events
- Banquets
- Envirothon
- Field Trip and tours
External Communications
Community communication of district activities and programs should use media such as:
- Newsletters
- Press Releases
- Annual Report
- Participation in fairs and special events
- Webpages
Agency/Partner Communications
- Mutual participation on committees and advisory boards
- Participation in strategic and annual planning
- Mutual training opportunities
- Shared projects (i.e. Watershed projects, workshops, NRCS projects)
Advocacy
It is a core responsibility of the Board member to communicate the goals and needs of the District to elected officials.
Formal & Informal Communication Methods
Directors should take advantage of these formal and informal communication methods to advocate to elected officials.
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Capital Day
- Legislative Breakfast/lunch
- Testimony at hearings
- Bus tours of field sites
- Participation on municipal and state advisory boards and committees
- Provide written comments on legislation
- Regular update meetings to legislators
- Presentation at community meetings & service clubs
- Phone calls Invitation of their participation in district activities (i.e. Envirothon, Banquet)
Networking
Look for opportunities to network with local, state and national organizations with common cause.
- Nominating Organizations
- Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts
- National Association of Conservation District
- Conservation Organizations (i.e. Watershed groups, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, etc.)
Getting the Message Out
An organized, concise, justifiable request for targeted needs.
- The board should select champions to convey the district’s message and needs to elected officials.
- Board members should follow up to address legislators’ questions and needs.
Every Board Member Communicates
Board members are nominated by local organizations and are a conduit for communication between the nominating organization and the board of directors.
Each board member should have an active role in communicating the district’s mission and programs to the community.