SMITH/Associates utilizes an uncommon mix of technical competence and empathic communication abilities.

The goal of Public Outreach is to increase public awareness of an issue or process, involve those who are interested, and generate interest in those who are not involved. Effective, proactive outreach requires recognizing both the technical and perceptual issues surrounding a subject and tailoring a simple, yet comprehensive message to a diverse audience.

We have provided public outreach support for over 30 Air Force and Army installations and other federal agency activities. Our experience with public outreach has allowed us to recognize that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to communication and message dissemination is neither realistic, nor appropriate. Today’s messages are more complex and audiences are more diverse.

SMITH/Associates professionals will:

• Tailor communication methods and venues in order to convey complex information in an understandable fashion
• Employ care, communication, and crisis management approaches to risk communication in order to reduce community outrage and provide factual information on relevant hazards
• Manage events to successfully implement stakeholder and media outreach activities
• Develop web sites with target audience in mind to improve usability and public access to documents; manage content development, maintenance, and timely updates
• Create supporting communications materials to spread message including bilingual brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, public service announcements, newspaper ads, briefings, informative posters, maps, exhibit displays, website content, elected official outreach materials, media relations guidance, and community involvement plans