When people are trying to juggle jobs, family and commutes they are often unable to attend yet another community meeting.
But they will attend some – especially those to which they’re already committed.
- Neighborhood congregations. Once you’ve identified them, contact clergy and lay leaders. See if they’ll put you on a program or if the pastor will speak on your behalf from the pulpit or at church meetings.
- Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). Some 32+ million children are enrolled in US elementary schools. Their parents are among the most likely to show up at PTA meetings. Start with the principal to learn how you might introduce students and parents to your planned tree equity programs.
- Community-wide events, farmers markets and festivals. Opportunities range from signage (perhaps with Quick Response (QR) codes to link to your web materials) to tabletops and booths.
- Sports events. Many teams and leagues – from high school to professional – have made environmental and conservation commitments. Some support both on-field and off-field programs. Ask league officials, team coaches, even high-profile players if they’d like to participate.
Things to talk about
In small groups or large gatherings, ask folks about their neighborhoods, their trees and what changes they’d like to see.
What about renters?
Residents who live in under-canopied neighborhoods are more likely to be renters rather than owners. They pay rent to the property owner — often a big company overseeing a whole portfolio of multifamily housing.
Tree equity policies generally extend to these landlords; they will certainly be engaged. But the renter-residents themselves should have the same opportunities. Otherwise the community faces a contradiction best explained by NCSU professor Lincoln Larsen.
