1. An Introduction to the Fairfax County Communication Strategy

2. Developing the Strategy
The Fairfax County Communication Strategy was initiated by the county executive in 2004 to create and maintain a cohesive look, feel and message in county communications.

3. Developing the Strategy
The cohesive look, feel and message has two benefits for the county:
Unified messages create a stronger identity for the county.
Unified messages build public confidence that we are effectively integrating our programs, services and resources.

4. Developing the Strategy
The Office of Public Affairs and the departments of Information Technology and Cable Communications and Consumer Protection were asked to take the lead in developing the strategy.

5. Developing the Strategy
To help develop the strategy, more than 50 county employees from 20 different agencies volunteered to serve on five development teams.
The teams met from January to June 2005 to develop standards and policies, templates and communication resources to guide the county’s communications.

6. Developing the Strategy
As a result, Fairfax County is the first local government to implement such a broad, comprehensive approach to communications.

7. The Strategy The strategy is divided into six overall categories:
About the Strategy
Standards and Policies
Templates
Communication Resources
Communication Planning
Working With the Media
Emergency Communications

8. About the Strategy Topics in this category are:
Introduction to the Strategy
Board Priorities
Providing Materials to the Board
How Do I Use the Strategy?
Fairfax County Vision Elements
Why Use the Vision Elements?
Using the Vision Elements
Agency Collaboration
Agency Consulting
Access Fairfax
Employee Communication Board
Fairfax County Government Communicators
Language Access

9. Standards and Policies
Topics in this category are:
Business Cards County Acronyms and Abbreviations
County Style/Grammar Standards
Guide
Fax Cover Sheet Letters
Memorandums News Releases
News Releases (electronic) Postal Abbreviations
Publications Seal Usage
Statements TTY
Accessibility Typefaces
Alternate Format Voice Mail
Language Access Web Content Policy

10. Communication Planning
Topics in this category are:
Communication Plan Audit Template
External Communication Plan Template
External Communication Tools
Establishing Good Internal Communication
Internal Communication Plan Template
Internal Communication Tools

11. Communication Resources
Topics in this category are:
Agency Consulting
Assistance Request Form
Communication Plan Audit
Communication Tools
Complying with HIPAA Regulations
County Style/Grammar Guide
External Communication Plan Template
Fairfax County Government Communicators
Information Officers
Internal Communication Plan Template
Language Access
Order Online Associated Press Style Guide
Print and Mail Services
Reference Library
Responding to FOIA Requests

12. Working With the Media Topics in this category are:
Building Closer Relationships With Your Media
Complying with HIPAA Regulations
County Style/Grammar Guide
Media Advisory
Media Database
Media Tips
Media Training
News Release Standards
Order Online Associated Press Style Guide
Rate Your News Release
Reach Your Audience
Responding to FOIA Requests
Templates
Tips for Conducting Live TV Interviews
Tips for Writing News Releases

13. Emergency Communication
Topics in this category are:
Building a Solid Crisis Communication Plan
Channel 16 Emergency Message System
Community Emergency Alert Network
Emergency Alert Network
Emergency Information Line
Emergency Operations Plan
Emergency Response Plan
Emergency Response Coordinator
PIO Corps
Policy for Closing a County Facility
Tips for Conducting Live TV Interviews
Weather/Snow Closing Information
Web Emergency Announcements

14. Schedule for Implementation
All agencies are required to implement the new standards, policies and templates by January 2006.

15. Implementing the Strategy
External and internal communication plan templates are offered to help agencies complete a communication plan, as required by the county executive.

16. Implementing the Strategy
Templates are provided to assist agencies in creating master templates for their offices, using the agency logo if appropriate, and making the templates available to everyone in the department. The Office of Public Affairs can assist agencies with creating master templates.

17. Implementing the Strategy
Agency directors should be sure their agency’s employees are aware there are new standards for voice mail and .

18. Implementing the Strategy
Agencies are encouraged to review the county’s Vision Elements and the Board Priorities to begin thinking about how news releases and publications support them.

19. Implementing the Strategy
Copies of news releases and publications are to be sent to the Board of Supervisors, preferably by .

20. Implementing the Strategy
Information on responding to Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, requests is provided to help agencies ensure they are complying with the law.

21. What’s Next?
Work has already begun on Phase II, to be introduced in January 2006, which will include:
Creating a Web-based database of all the county’s publications
Developing an editorial calendar to use the Vision Elements
Establishing a process for review and approval of all internal and external materials for the public
And more

22. For More Information
Contact the Office of Public Affairs at , TTY 711, with any questions or suggestions about the Fairfax County Communication Strategy.