What is a best practice to engage and build trust with the community online?

Holding online preparedness contests for community involvement is an effective best practice for engaging and building trust with the community. This approach encourages active participation, fosters a sense of community, and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to preparedness in an engaging and interactive manner.

When communities are invited to participate in contests, they feel more connected and invested in the outcomes. This type of engagement enhances the relationship between the organization and the community, as it allows individuals to contribute and collaborate in ways that build camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. Moreover, contests can motivate individuals to learn more about emergency preparedness, making the community more resilient and informed.

Engagement strategies that rely on one-way messaging or only involve expert-led discussions can create a barrier between the organization and the community, potentially diminishing trust and making the community feel excluded. Additionally, only interacting during emergencies does not foster an ongoing relationship and can lead to community members feeling neglected outside of crisis situations. Therefore, fostering an environment of continuous engagement, like through contests, is essential for effective community building.