PART 2: DOING

Creating Consistent Communication

Regardless of the number of residents in your building, it is important to communicate with your community on a consistent basis. Not only does this allow your group to share information with the community, but also provides opportunities for community members to share ideas with you!

Creating connection

There are many diverse ways that you can connect and communicate. If most people can be reached via email, start a signup list for email updates or consider starting an e-newsletter. If members in your community have access to social media platforms like Facebook, consider starting your own Facebook page.

If you have the support of property management, consider creating a “dialogue space” in high-traffic areas such as the laundry room, the lobby or mailroom where you can post notices or instal a mailbox to receive anonymous tips/

Other ways for community members to connect include building a telephone tree, or designating language captains who can help with translation. This is a great strategy if you live in a diverse community where residents speak multiple languages. Unfortunately most building-wide communications still tend to be in English, leaving many residents in the dark.

Consistency is key

Creating a consistent channel for communication will be helpful in ensuring that residents know what activities are coming and up, will help with attendance, and will give people something exciting to look forward to.

If attendance is slow to begin with and only a few people show up, don’t give up, keep going. Consistency is key.