Skills in My Toolbox
This is a snapshot of the knowledge I carry with me.
Public Participation
Real connection with real people.
An effective outreach strategy requires two things: a clear "why" and a multi-faceted approach. From emails, phone calls, and in-person appeals to pop-up opportunities - participation should be more than just outreach, it should be engagement.
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I have collaborated on or led: hands-on visioning activities, event coordination, door-to-door canvassing, social media strategy, input-gathering strategy, and more.
Strategic Visioning
Where are we going, and why?
To plan ahead means first stepping back to see how all the moving parts fit together (or don't). Organized records, clean processes, and a unified vision are crucial for any group wanting to make good change.
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I have facilitated strategic visioning sessions, set up improved team routines, conducted outcome analysis, organized internal assets, and refreshed public touch-points (like websites).
Education
Introducing concepts in ways that connect with diverse audiences.
Knowledge is empowering. So the best way to build capacity is to equip people with better understanding. It takes empathetic energy to educate well and intellectual agility to translate jargon into ideas people can connect with.
From government processes and public infrastructure to DIY placemaking, I’ve guided groups of different ages and backgrounds through a variety of concepts using hands-on activities and accessible dialogue.
Qualitative Research
Exploration grounded in all five senses.
Laying a strong project foundation requires a balanced approach. Stats and spreadsheets are helpful, but alert curiosity and emotional intelligence are just as powerful. For any community improvement to last, you need real-world observation and human-to-human connection.
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Door-to-door canvassing, walking assessments, behavioral observation, arts-based activities, and interviews are some of the trusted methods I have used to gather information for projects.
Communications
An arms-wide-open approach to messaging.
Right-sized messaging is about inviting people in. You need clarity, accessibility, and creativity for compelling communication. It also doesn't need to be high-tech! Web-based tools are crucial but analog methods can be powerful too.
I've used simple graphics (sometimes hand-made), public documents, and stories to relay ideas. On any team I'm ever a part of, I'm usually the go-to for writing language for programs, grant applications/reports, and email/social media campaigns.