How do you keep yourself and your team motivated and inspired for community outreach?

When I led community outreach for a healthcare system, we would align our SMART goals to the annual goals for the year as well as the strategic plan. Additionally, we would incorporate connection to the Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure everything we did was impact-focused.

One thing I have always found helpful for motivation, is revisiting the meeting notes and findings from previous stakeholders connections and outreach within the community we are serving. This works well when having conversations with the team, as it gives a clear focus throughout longterm outreach on the 'why'. This helps not only internally but also with external stakeholders conversations-to not lose sight of what the community wants.

This is key. It's important to make sure that these key questions are both discussed and documented for future reference. These details will also help you to decide which doors you will need to knock on to get through to the right audience.

Don't think of it as "outreach." The community isn't a target that we should be setting our own goals upon, no matter how well meaning. Start by listening to and engaging the community - on their terms. All community work should begin and end by centering people; listening not only to their needs but solutions; and then figuring out where our organizations (and passions) can break down barriers.

It is truly all about “We,” when it comes to community outreach and therefore, we celebrate all that is accomplished. The idea of community is bringing everyone together for the greater good.

Never forget to say Thank You! I have come to learn that partners who do not feel valued-with their time or resources- will cease to engage. Saying thank you goes a long way to provide them the support and appreciation to continue to service community outreach work! Those small words keep partners coming to after school programs, providing food boxes, and mentoring students.

Reflecting back on previous work is super helpful. No two outreach campaigns are the same, and there's always something to learn and take with you for the future.

I suggest taking this a step further and leaning into your team’s passions. Find who on your team has a penchant for something, and challenge them to connect their interests with the community outreach project directly. Listen to what they come up with, scaffold it into your overall project, and let them fly!

Let’s start by defining the Why? To keep yourself and your team motivated and inspired for community outreach, it's crucial to establish a strong connection to the mission and purpose of your work. Studies have shown that individuals who feel a deep sense of purpose are more motivated and engaged. When team members understand and believe in the mission, they are more likely to feel personally invested and driven to make a difference. Making the connection is the ??. By fostering a strong connection to the mission, creating a supportive team culture, and regularly reflecting on the positive impact, you can cultivate a motivated and inspired team dedicated to making a meaningful change in the community.

Never forget, you must follow before you lead. Find praise for someone and give it when it’s unexpected. Surround yourself with strength and knowledge so you can continue to grow your leadership skills. You can’t lead if you don’t listen.

Organisation is key. You must document your efforts in a neat and accessible way, so that you do not lose track of any key information that you'll need to progress. It's also helpful to remember that your process is iterative, so keep updating the way in which you approach outreach as you learn new things.