1. Communicating Connected by 25 Lessons from Florida

2. Purpose of Communications Effort in Hillsborough County: Inspire community members to step forward as “door openers” Create a “buzz” around Connected by 25 in order to: –Encourage replication of program by other Florida Communities –Encourage better state policies

3. Audience The public (potential door openers) Journalists Policymakers Funders Practitioners and providers

4. Strengths Showcase inspiring youth stories Compelling messages: –18 is too early to be on your own –Current system is not working –Would you open a door for me?

5. Strengths (cont.) Provide specific ways public can help Stress role of communities – not just government Sympathy for foster care population Part of a national initiative Manageable population – “can make a real difference”

6. Strategy Develop communications plan Create Connected by 25 “identity” Produce compelling outreach materials (brochure, video, and website) Conduct intensive outreach to media (reporters, columnists, and ed. boards) Capitalize on event with Governor Jeb Bush

7. Creating the Connected by 25 Identity Logo –Attractive and compelling –Accessible to multiple age groups

8. Outreach Materials: Brochure and Video

9. Outreach Materials: Website

10. Outreach Materials: One Page Overview

11. Media Outreach Creating a Buzz through Captain Schupay

12. Coverage

13. Media and Kick-Off Event Media Advisory for Kick-Off EventPress Release about Event

14. Media and Kick-Off Event These kids are aged out, but not grown up St. Petersburg Times columnist ERNEST HOOPER Published: October 21, 2005 Columnists Reporters Kathy Fountain, WTVT, Your Turn Sheri Ackerman, Social Services Reporter Curtis Kreuger, Social Services Writer, St. Petersburg Times Businesses Step Up for Foster Kids Published: Nov 2, 2005 Pushed Out at 18 Published: Nov 12, 2005 Editorial Board Visits

15. The payoff: Donations Offers by 2 local hospitals to provide paid internships Offer by real estate developer to provide housing Gov. Bush is now a pledged “door opener”

16. Future strategies: Continue to promote Connected by 25 through the media and other outreach strategies Document lessons learned and make available to other potential Florida sites Conduct outreach to policymakers on how they can better serve this population