Description
Outreach is the process of contacting, engaging with, and helping people to learn about and use resources to improve their health and well-being. Outreach may be conducted with individuals, groups, organizations, and at the community level. In outreach, CHWs “meet people where they are,” building relationships based on listening, trust, and respect. This can take place in diverse settings, including where people live, work, learn, worship, socialize, play, exercise, and conduct business. There are a variety of outreach methods, such as phone calls, in-person conversations, group presentations, distribution of print and electronic information, and social media. Effective outreach is based on learning about community needs and strengths, knowledge about available resources, and sensitivity to personal and cultural dynamics that affect behavior and relationships.
During our training, participants will learn to:
- Develop and implement outreach plans in collaboration with colleagues, based on individual, family, and community needs, strengths, and resources
- Identify and share appropriate information, referrals, and other resources to help individuals, families, groups, and organizations meet their needs
- Initiate and sustain trusting relationships with individuals, families, and social networks
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with community-based organizations and other resources to promote client services, care, education, and advocacy
- Conduct outreach with attention to possible safety risks for self, clients, and colleagues
- Use a range of outreach methods to engage individuals and groups in diverse settings