Getting your message out to important groups such as parents and community leaders is critical to the success of community coalitions or programs. But how do you create a simple, manageable plan that helps you communicate in order to meet your program goals?

A step-by-step communications planning process is outlined in the tools in this section. It was designed to allow non-profit organizations like yours to think through the main ingredients of communications planning.

It is organized to allow an individual to move through the kit on their own or with the guidance of the communications team. Begin with the overview section which explains the purpose of creating a communication plan, then move through each step, representing components of the planning process. The five steps have worksheets, powerpoints, documents, examples and resources needed to complete a communications plan. We also encourage you to contact your technical assistance specialist for further guidance.

You can move through the planning process by step or click on any step to revisit your current plan.