Building effective communications for water resource professionals
Starting in 2022, the Source Water Protection Collaborative and the University of Minnesota collaborated on a clearinghouse of resources to help support engagement efforts by water resource professionals. We recently transferred those resources to a new home on The Confluence of Watershed Leaders website and are excited to share a preview of what you can find on their resources page.
Water resource professionals often take on the role of communicator — promoting events, incentive programs, and community initiatives that drive local impact. Yet many enter these positions without formal communications training. A few key tools can help strengthen outreach and engagement strategies.
Start with strategy
A strong communications plan begins with a clear strategy. Defining goals, identifying priority audiences, and tailoring messages to those audiences ensures time and resources are used effectively. Tools such as Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations offer templates to guide the process.
Use social media with purpose
Social media remains one of the most effective ways to reach target audiences, even if it can feel overwhelming. Public-sector communicators can find practical guidance through blogs such as Civic Plus and Social Media Strategies Summit, which share research-based tips for audience engagement and content planning.
Access the right visuals
Images play a central role in digital communication. Free platforms like Unsplash, Pixabay, and The Noun Project provide a wide selection of professional-quality visuals. For conservation-specific imagery, the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative and the Soil and Water Conservation Society offer sector-relevant photo collections.
Design with accessibility in mind
Accessible materials ensure communications reach all audiences. Using plain language, adding ALT text to images, and including transcripts for videos are important practices. Resources on web and document accessibility, such as this accessibility guide from the University of Minnesota, provide step-by-step guidance for implementation.
Explore more resources
For additional tools and templates to support communications and outreach, explore the engagement programming resources in The Confluence’s Resource Library. Environmental Initiative thanks the University of Minnesota and the Extension Foundation for supporting the creation of this resource, and The Confluence of Watershed Leaders for hosting it.