Making Local Government Work For You

The Rural Civic Engagement Training is coming to Hermiston this fall, helping residents better understand the way local government operates while empowering them to tackle community needs.

The topics presented by Rural Development Initiatives include:

Getting People to Run for Office
Defining Issues & Building Coalitions
Defining Your Message
Making Rural Voices Heard
Action Planning

Classes are free to Hermiston area residents but space is limited. Sign up at bit.ly/3xQ6nuu or contact Jennifer Groth at jgroth@rdiinc.org for more information.

UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT – Sept. 30

The first session is focused on understanding the local government landscape and the variety of ways residents can connect to elected officials, get involved in commissions and committees, and consider what issues and projects are important to them. Activities include thinking about what is already working well in the community, identifying and mapping local public bodies in the region, and talking about who has power and who does not.

DEFINING ISSUES AND BUILDING COALITIONS – Oct. 7

This session begins with a panel of elected officials, who will share their experiences as a public servant, including how they first became involved in government. We will also cover building coalitions to get more people involved in your issue or campaign and learn why coalitions help in working with local and state governments.

DEFINING YOUR MESSAGE – Oct. 14

Following a panel of coalition members sharing their successes and challenges, this session dives into the basics of strategic communications, including skills that work well in a government setting. Concepts include message framing, understanding your communications objective, and crafting memorable talking points.

CREATING A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN – Oct. 21

Develop a strategic communications plan for an issue or candidate campaign with the help of local media experts who will share their knowledge about channels and tools for effective communication, understanding your audience, and staying on message.

TAKING ACTION – Oct. 28