What is the very first step when creating a community outreach strategy?

The initial step in creating a community outreach strategy is to identify your audience. Understanding who you are trying to reach is crucial because it shapes the entire strategy. By clearly defining the audience, you can tailor your messaging, choose the appropriate channels for outreach, and determine the specific needs and concerns of the community.

Identifying the audience first allows for a more focused approach in engaging them, which can lead to more effective outreach efforts. By knowing their demographics, interests, and challenges, you can create targeted initiatives that resonate well with the community, ensuring that your outreach is relevant and impactful.

This foundational step sets the stage for all subsequent actions, such as getting buy-in from stakeholders and determining potential partners, as these efforts will rely on a clear understanding of the audience. Without knowing your audience, any outreach materials developed would likely lack the specificity needed to connect effectively with those you aim to serve.