Keeping everyone informed

You’ve worked hard to find out what people want. So make sure you tell them about your progress and your activities.

We can help you get your message across.

Make a complete list of all the groups of people who have an interest in your project. Include:

• Decision makers
• Advisory groups
• Funders and donors
• The media
• Local groups
• People affected directly by the project
• People who’ve previously been involved with the church
• People who might want to use the building

You can get your message across by:

• Setting up a website
• Sending out newsletters
• Printing leaflets
• Setting up a Facebook page
• Putting updates on noticeboards
• Speaking to the local press
• Organising tours, talks and exhibitions
• Organising events to celebrate important stages in the project
• Getting listed into local directories
• Installing a sign

Look at each stakeholder group and ask yourself:

• What do they need to know?
• How often should you tell them?
• Do you need something from them?
• What is the easiest way to reach them?

Helpful hints

However you choose to reach out to people, tell them:

• Your vision
• Your objectives
• The project costs
• The proposed plans
• The results of surveys
• And how they can get involved

To make your vision become a reality you need to start thinking about:

• Planning your project
• Appointing an architect
• Writing your business plan
• Raising money