This outreach toolkit is the result of extensive research by Idahoans working in the public transportation (PT) business sector and advocates of public transportation.
This toolkit utilizes a wealth of resources available locally and from groups and associations that are strong advocates for PT, including the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Center for Transportation Excellence (CFTE). These groups are tireless in their efforts to get the word out about public transportation and the positives it can contribute to your community.
PURPOSE OF THE TOOLKIT
The toolkit is designed to provide the tools needed to successfully develop public transportation coalitions and get the word out once your group has been formed. It also provides tutorials on how to mobilize these coalitions in the areas of government and the media. There also is a lot of statistical information about PT, including its economic benefits and national statistics.
WHAT'S IN THE TOOLKIT?
The toolkit contains five electronic folders:
1). Coalition building - Information about developing a coalition, contact information about successful coalitions and how to mobilize and energize such groups.
2). Government officials - Provides a wealth of information about communicating with candidates and elected officials, developing an information kit and scheduling local events.
3). Media relations - Learn how the media operates, how to work with the different types of media, the do's and don'ts of dealing with the media, etc.
4). Fact sheets - These are handout sheets that can be provided to the public, i.e. following a speaking engagement. The sheets contain local, state and national statistics about PT.
5). Reports/Reference - This folder contains reference materials, including recent reports concerning public transportation in the state of Idaho.
ADAPTABILITY
The templates and other information contained in this toolkit can easily be modified to fit the needs of the user.