COMMUNICATING WITH DECISION MAKERS Paul D. Warner Assistant Director for Program and Staff Development

Who are decision makers?  Local –County Judge Executive –Magistrates –Mayors –County Attorney –School Superintendent  State –State Legislators –State Senators  Federal –Congressmen –Senators

STEPS IN BUILDING SUPPORT 1. Building Awareness –Participate in Programs –Mass Media – Newspaper, radio, TV –Annual Report, Extension Today –Web Site –Word of Mouth

How the Word Spreads Start with 10 people Who each tell 10 people = 100 people Who each tell 10 people = 1,000 people Who each tell 10 people = 10,000 people

STEPS IN BUILDING SUPPORT 2. Involve decision makers in Programs – give them visibility, a role to play –4-H Events and Activities – Reality Store, American Private Enterprise, Speech Contest –Homemakers county annual meeting –Field Days, farm tours, demonstrations

Communicating Results of Programs –Tell them - formal and informal opportunities –Written reports –Mass media - newspaper, radio and TV –Personal testimony by program participant 4-Her, agricultural producer, homeowner 4-Her, agricultural producer, homeowner

STEPS IN BUILDING SUPPORT 3. Identify Specific Needs –Annual funding support –Equipment such as computer, copier, etc. –Office building, meeting space –Salary increases

STEPS IN BUILDING SUPPORT 4. Express Appreciation  Thank them for specific support  Express appreciation for the role they play in the community  Thank them publicly

STRATEGIES  Host an annual reception or luncheon  Include decision makers on Extension Advisory Councils  Ask their opinion on issues  Offer our assistance to them  Put decision makers on mailing lists  Invite public officials to major activities and educational events

STRATEGIES (CONTINUED)  Take advantage of informal opportunities  Develop an awareness all year long  Ask for commitment only when it is needed  Use the contacts of the group

MESSAGE  The Three R’s of the Message Relevance - Why was this program needed? Response - What did Extension do? Results - What changes resulted?

Multiple Identities and Clientele  Four program areas – Agriculture & Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, Community & Economic Development 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, Community & Economic Development  Named programs – 4-H, Homemakers, EFNEP, HEEL, Master Cattlemen, Get Moving Kentucky, etc.  Clientele – youth, homemakers, farmers, homeowners, horticultural businesses, community leaders, elderly, parents, teachers, agency representatives, etc.