Fresh ideas, eager new volunteers, and new ways to communicate are the fuel that will keep your public education effort an ongoing activity. Repetition is a major benefit because people need to hear and see messages several times. Messages, however, need to be freshened or given new twists to make sure they capture and hold the public's attention.

Handing out brochures, distributing posters, or calling television and radio stations and newspapers requires a substantial amount of volunteer energy. Training that lets volunteers share lessons they have learned helps provide fresh energy for everyone. Sometimes, switching jobs among volunteers can renew their energy.

Support for the activity should come from both outside and inside your group. Remember that your goal is to get the community to take action—in other words, to try to put yourselves out of business eventually. As people begin to hear your message, recruit leaders to help drive it home—the principal, school board members, local religious leaders, business executives, hospital administrators, doctors and dentists, and many other people can teach, preach, post, promote, and confirm your anticrime message.

Youth In Action Bulletin

December 1999     Number 12