Four Square in Government

While so many social media tools come and go, it seems like Four Square is here to stay - at least for awhile. There are many businesses using Four Square to promote products and encourage visitors. Government agencies around the country have used Four Square to encourage residents and visitors to vaccinate pets (by leaving tips at pet stores and vets offices) or to select healthy foods at farmers markets.

We're considering a little different approach. In addition to leaving tips, two groups are starting accounts to help residents find them easier. The idea being that these groups have key stakeholders, or people that have a high level of interest in the work they do in the community, and that social engagement will increase their participation as well as encourage others in their network to participate.

More to come as these accounts get up and running!

Exchanging Ideas

In February 2013, Sarah was invited to meet with a team of cabinet level communications directors from Kosovo. The group was visiting North Carolina as part of the International Affairs Council's International Visitor Leadership Program.

The group came to North Carolina to learn about communications during emergencies and times of crisis. The conversation focused on the details of best practices, including response procedures, working with other agencies, building relationships with the news media and using social media. There were also side conversations about making the most of a small budget and logistics and technology that make Joint Information Systems (JISs) successful.

Emergency Plan

When the seasons change its the perfect time to review an emergency plan.

Sarah lead a team of Public Information Officers from around the region as they developed text and worked with a graphic designer to update ReadyWake, an emergency preparedness brochure.

ReadyWake is scheduled to be printed in February 2013 and will be distributed through community partnerships including libraries, parks and other government locations.

The 2013 edition is updated to provide information in English and Spanish and includes a regional map showing emergency rooms and possible shelter location.

The new ReadyWake branding will be applied to the website, Twitter account and other materials in early 2013.

NCAGIO Awards

The North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers (NCAGIO) annual conference was this week. The Budget-At-A-Glance and Board of Commissioners Goals video received Excellence in Communications awards (use the links to read more under recent work) .

The Board Goals video received second place in the broadcast category and the Budget-At-A-Glance received an honorable mention in the publications category.

This was the fourth year in row that the Sarah's work was recognized by the NCAGIO.

Annual Report

Many large organizations produce Annual Reports. For the last five years, Sarah has coordinated Wake County's Annual report. The report is produced on a fiscal year schedule and includes accomplishments from staff groups in each of the County's 12 departments and is produced in both hard copy and web formats.

The fiscal year 2012 Annual Report coordinates with the
Budget-At-A-Glance and other corporate communications materials. 

The online Annual Report was built using the structure from the prior year.
New graphics, text and photos were used for a net savings. 

Sarah coordinates the requests for proposals and contracts for design and printing; drafting and review of content; and distribution of the Annual Report.

Higher Education Bonds

In November 2012, Wake County voters will be asked to approve $200 million in bonds to support Wake Technical Community College.

The communications were a combined effort of the County and the Community college. In this partnership, Sarah's responsibilities were in creating web content and producing a video.

The video was distributed on cable access channels, YouTube and partner websites.

Water Safety

Dozens of wells in a small area tested unsafe in a small amount of time during the summer of 2012. The clustering of the wells and they type of contaminants lead to the involvement of State and Federal agencies. To ensure consistent messaging the agencies - each with their own objectives - agreed to work together on communications materials. Sarah worked on behalf of two County customer groups as the team created brochures, flyers and web content; coordinated neighborhood meetings, organized news conferences and responded to media requests.

A flyer was developed to distribute during neighborhood meetings. Residents who elected to register
could receive confidential follow-up information via phone call, text message or email.

In addition to these efforts, a video on well safety and testing was developed. The video will be distributed through local public access channels, the County and partner websites and YouTube in early 2013.