What are the most effective communication strategies for addressing access to public pools?

2 Use clear and inclusive language

The way you communicate can influence how people perceive and respond to your message. You want to use language that is clear, concise, and respectful, and that avoids jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. You also want to use language that is inclusive and reflects the diversity and values of your audience. For example, you may use terms like "community pools" or "public aquatic facilities" instead of "public pools" to emphasize the collective ownership and responsibility of these spaces. You may also use terms like "accessibility", "equity", or "justice" to frame your message around the positive outcomes and impacts of public pools.

4 Collaborate with partners and allies

You don't have to communicate alone. You can collaborate with partners and allies who share your vision and goals, and who can amplify your message and reach. Partners and allies can be individuals or organizations that have expertise, resources, networks, or influence that can support your communication strategy. For example, you may partner with local schools, health centers, or community groups to promote the educational and health benefits of public pools. You may also ally with media outlets, influencers, or advocates to raise awareness and mobilize support for public pool access.

5 Be creative and adaptable

Communication is not a static or rigid process, but a dynamic and flexible one. You want to be creative and adaptable in your communication strategy, and use different formats, styles, and techniques to capture your audience's attention and interest. You can use visuals, audio, video, or interactive elements to make your message more appealing and memorable. You can also use humor, emotion, or storytelling to make your message more relatable and engaging. You can also adapt your message and medium to the changing needs and preferences of your audience, and to the opportunities and challenges of the context.

6 Call to action

The ultimate goal of your communication strategy is to motivate your audience to take action or support your cause. You want to end your message with a clear and specific call to action that tells your audience what you want them to do and why. You can use verbs, phrases, or questions that encourage your audience to act, such as "sign the petition", "join the campaign", "donate to the fund", or "visit the pool". You can also use incentives, rewards, or social proof to persuade your audience to act, such as "receive a free pass", "win a prize", or "join thousands of others". You can also use urgency, scarcity, or exclusivity to create a sense of importance and excitement, such as "act now", "don't miss out", or "be part of the change".

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?