Drivers for Change – Target Outreach
Equity Framework > Drivers for Change > Target Outreach
Targeted outreach describes a wide range of strategies to reach specific target audiences. Targeted outreach requires an understanding of community context, needs, and challenges. In turn, targeted outreach prioritizes the needs of community. Some strategies for targeted outreach include:
- knowing the community audience and using appropriate messaging;
- meeting people where they are in community;
- reaching out at a time that works for the community;
- being transparent about commitments and compensation;
- connecting with a variety of community-based leaders; and
- providing translated and linguistically-appropriate materials.
Targeted outreach is intentional about reaching groups who are unlikely to engage and following through to support meaningful involvement. This form of outreach is welcoming, low-barrier, and relationship-centered.
Adapted from:
- Scarborough Civic Action Network. (2012). Community Engagement Guidebook. Retrieved from https://connectedcommunities.ca/files/96/Scarborough-Civic-Action-Network-engagement-guide.pdf
- Seattle Public Utilities. Equity Toolkit: Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement Plan Development. Retrieved from
http://www.seattle.gov/util/cs/groups/public/@spu/@diroff/documents/webcontent/1_062550.pdf - City of Ottawa and City for All Women Initiative. 2015. Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook. Ottawa, ON: CAWI. Retrieved from
https://www.cawi-ivtf.org/sites/default/files/publications/ei-lens-handbook-2015_0.pdf - Community Toolbox: Chapter 23 – Section 6. Using Outreach to Increase Access
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/access-barriers-opportunities/outreach-to-increase-access/main
Further Reading / Additional Resources:
Community Toolbox: Chapter 23 – Section 6. Using Outreach to Increase Access
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/access-barriers-opportunities/outreach-to-increase-access/main
Scarborough Civic Action Network. (2012). Community Engagement Guidebook. https://connectedcommunities.ca/files/96/Scarborough-Civic-Action-Network-engagement-guide.pdf
Outreach, Homeless Hub (2021).
https://www.homelesshub.ca/solutions/emergency-response/outreach
Sample Tools:
Leong Centre Resources for Community-Engaged Research
https://leongcentre.utoronto.ca/resources-community-engaged-research
Community Toolbox: Chapter 23 – Section 6. Using Outreach to Increase Access checklist.
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/access-barriers-opportunities/outreach-to-increase-access/checklist
Scarborough Civic Action Network. (2012). Community Engagement Guidebook.
https://connectedcommunities.ca/files/96/Scarborough-Civic-Action-Network-engagement-guide.pdf