Importance Communication Within Our County: Communication Ensures Effective Partnerships

Importance Communication Within Our County: Communication Ensures Effective Partnerships

Author: Candace Lowry, BS, MPA, CDF

While working in the workforce development industry I have seen many instances where communication is the cause of program failure. It seems communication should be at the top of every agenda, but it appears that communication has been taken for granted as an assumed response; while our community suffers from the lack there of.

Within our county we have many resources that are not used properly.  The proper use of marketing and communication within community programs, leadership, career centers, schools, college, and university should supersede that of many counties in the state of North Carolina.  We are one of a few counties that have a Community College along with a University.  These two institutions should have a working relationship with programs within the community and organizations such as the Telamon program, WIOA, Career Centers, Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Social Services. Lumbee Tribe, etc.  Although there are some small partnerships, these entities should work together to ensure that our individuals in the county are receiving the information needed to become self-sustainable citizens; who are able to contribute to the economy with sufficient careers or jobs.

There should not be any reason that community members lack their immediate needs. Yet, we have individuals who do not think they can pay for school, but they have never heard of Telamon, LRDA, WIOA, Foundation Scholarships, etc.  We also have individuals lacking food in their homes because they do not know able the church and community centers, food drives, church food boxes, SNAP benefits, etc.  We also have individuals who will not apply to positions that require interviews because they do not have interview clothing; they are unknowledgeable of the career closet at Robeson Community College, the Church and Community clothing or the area churches that donate dress clothes for the specific reason of getting someon

e ready to look their best during an interview.

Community partners need to inform each other of their areas of expertise and resources for clients.  Nurturing these relationships will increase communication assisting with the lack of participation within the local, state, and federal programs. Each organization needs meaningful partnerships.  Networking with each other can increase engagement and interactions that were once thought of as taboo.  We are here as public servants to assist all and divulge information that will in return helps individuals in our area.  The resources in our area are vast.  It’s getting the word out and collaborations that are dropping the ball and missing out on reaching those in need.

Information only helps if we disclose it to those who need it.  Effective communication within the community must start with the partners.  When the partners receive the information, it is their responsibility to accurately inform their clients. An informed community will lead to progress in all areas.  

Information is the bridge that brings us all together; whether we are looking at socio-economic status, education level, demographics etc.  With effective communication in our county we will be able to overcome the barriers and stereotypes in which the rest of the state perceives Robeson County. 

As you go about your day remember to ask yourself if you have communicated to your partners, colleagues, and clients the information that may have changed their lives.