Communications

The Four Stages

Exploring

• The national Coalition for Community Schools is notified; state receives communications guide.
• A listserv of local stakeholders is created.
• Messaging on the purpose of the state coalition is developed and used to engage new stakeholders.

Emerging

• Coalition partners have developed shared core messages that follow national best practices, and can be adapted for local contexts while maintaining a consistent statewide narrative.  
• Print collateral is developed with shared messaging .
• Outward communications include branding and messaging developed by the coalition. 
• Website is launched. 
• Social media handle is created. 
• Additional tools such as newsletters and virtual collaboration groups or listservs are used for frequent communication 
• A guide is developed on how to host local site visits using coalition branding and messaging.

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Resources for ensuring local and state messaging is aligned:

• View the Community Schools messaging guide

View examples of state coalition websites here:

• https://www.njcommunityschools.org/
• https://idahocoalitionforcommunityschools.org/
• https://www.mostnetwork.org/initiatives/md4cs/#:~:text=The%20Maryland%20Coalition%20for%20Community,Community%20School%20Model%20in%20Maryland.
• https://arcommunityschools.org/

Social Media examples:

• https://twitter.com/ind_csn
• https://www.facebook.com/MD4CS/
• https://www.facebook.com/WICommSchools/

Evolving

• Student, family, educator voice are included in shared messaging and communications materials.
• Shared branding guidelines are communicated and shared with coalition members. 
• A shared communications plan is adopted and is aligned with the national Coalition.
• Two-way communication among listserv members occurs regularly. 
• Content is regularly  shared across the state.  
• Coalition members are provided opportunities to learn and practice shared messaging.
• Shared messaging and branding are integrated into advocacy, learning, presentations, and external communications.
• Compelling evaluation and outcome data has been identified to accompany state coalition messaging.
• Influencers and stakeholders are invited to site visits 

Expanding

• Key partners are incorporating community schools in communications.
• Local and state advocacy reflect and utilize shared State Coalition branding and messaging. 
• A PR strategy has been developed and guides messaging efforts. 
• Stories of community schools regularly appear in media.
• Evaluation and outcome data is integrated into community school messaging and storytelling. 
• Results and outcomes of the State Coalition are shared widely within the state, local partners, and the Coalition for Community Schools
• Influencers and stakeholders continue to be engaged in localized site visits.