New Tools for Your Communication NeedsBy Joe Donovan, Donovan Group Strong school leaders engage stakeholders in meaningful ways to promote student success. Starting today, you can find a host of new communication-related tools to support this important work. Members now have access to communications resources under the Communication Support section of the website. These resources are divided into two categories: Crisis Communications and the more general Communications Practices, Planning, and Tools section. Crisis Communications Over the last two years or so, through my firm (the Donovan Group), I have provided AWSA and WASDA members with crisis communication services as part of their membership in the organization. It has been nothing short of an honor to have worked with dozens of members in a variety of situations and in every corner of the state. The Crisis Communications section of the Communications Corner website outlines a process for addressing a crisis situation in your school and includes a series of sample crisis checklists, letters, and scripts. These resources are offered not as a replacement for calling me—as members, you have heard me say many times over the years that I welcome your calls anytime—but rather to supplement what we are already providing. Communications Practices, Planning, and Tools The second section is called Communications Practices, Planning, and Tools. In this section, I provide information about how to improve your communications efforts, consider current communications practices, and select the tools needed to make the effort easier. This includes an outline of a process to help you gage your communications efforts and get started. Whether you just want to spruce up your website, social media accounts, and other communications efforts to engage key stakeholders to support your students or want to do a full communications planning overhaul, this process can be used to communicate at any level—from a small school project to a district-wide initiative. The Communications Corner will grow over time, and I would love your feedback. In the meantime, I would like to thank you. I am so proud to work with you as your partner, and I look forward to growing the Communications Corner together. If you ever need help during a crisis or just want to talk through communication challenges or opportunities, I welcome your call or email. You can reach me at [email protected] or at 414-409-7225, ext. 2. Read more at: Elementary Edition - Secondary Edition - District Level Edition |