b'GrowthPR ESSENTIALSA New LeafResolutions for your communications strategy by Ami Neiberger, APRIts a new year and weve all received the gift of a giantTHEMES. Do you want to theme your work so you can reset button. This is an excellent time to look at yourfocus storytelling and campaigns in one area? Heres one communications strategy and think about what youd likeway to do that: Focus the first quarter on who you serve, to improve in 2026. Evaluating some key questions canthe second quarter on how you serve (programs), the third help you establish your priorities. quarter on who serves (volunteers/staff), and the fourth on how to help (volunteer/donate). BIG GOALS. What long-term communications goals are you trying to reach? Are you trying to grow your donor orDELEGATION. How can you lighten your load while aim-volunteer base? Aiming to improve visibility with govern- ing to grow? Is there a responsibility you can shed as you ment or nonprofit partners? Itching to increase your socialsharpen your own skills? Can you train others to become media presence and grow your email subscriber list? Domore confident in speaking with the media or community you need to train more spokespeople to represent yourgroups? Would a communications intern be helpful?organization? TOOLS. Do you need a visual reminder to keep your STORYTELLING. How will you collect, save, and sharegoals on track? Could project management software, a stories from the people you help, the people who do themedia list, or social media management software help you work (volunteers, staff), and the people who support itaccomplish more in a consistent way? (donors)? How will those stories be shared? Will they be videos on social media? Will they be quotes dropped intoDont miss out on the opportunities the new year offers. word cards on your website? Will they be news interviews? Take a breath, define those goals, and figure out how to refresh your communications strategy.OUTREACH. How will you share your story? Will you reach out to media with story pitches, do more work talking with community organizations, or get more client stories shared on your social media? How often?Ami Neiberger, APR is a strategic communica-tor and media relations expert who owns Maple TACTICS. Are there communications products or projectsAvenue PR, an independent public relations you want to add to reach these goals? What will thosepractice that assists nonprofits, member or-look likea new newsletter for donors? A special videoganizations, government agencies, and small series for social media? When will you develop those? businesses. You can reach her atami@mapleavenuepr.com.citygatenetwork.org 52'