Map Your Community and Identify Bridge-Builders
Community mapping starts with the large question - what shapes and defines a community? Before you start a campaign, you should get to know well the community resources and networks in your district.
This is not only about what your community looks like (in terms of age, income, race, ethnicity, country of origin, etc), but also socio-economic factors and the threats and challenges faced by the community. It helps you identify resources and community assets that you may be able to draw on and enhance during the campaign, and will get you stared with developing lists of key contacts and social networks.
A community map is a literal account and visual representation of what defines and shapes your community, including:
- Public institutions/ agencies
- Private businesses
- Non-profit advocacy and service organizations
- Community associations
- Informal networks
Once you have mapped your community, you can start identifying those "bridge builders" who already have relationships with components of your community map and can help connect and prepare you for meetings with important individuals/networks/ organizations in your community. Make a list and contact these folks to schedule a one-to-one conversation.