Spreading the message with booth displays

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said – “Community Mediation. What’s that?”

Spreading the word about mediation services and volunteer opportunities is tough! One thing we do at the Community Mediation Center is connect with the community with booth displays. Everyone has been to a trade show or conference where there are vendors – and it’s practically the same. Expand your scope to include information tables at council meetings, parent teacher meetings, civic league meetings, parks and recreation department fun days, State of the City events, little league registration drives… Basically, any time there’s an event – WHY NOT?

Keep the message simple too. If we’re at an event focused on youth, then we talk about peer mediation. If its focused on communities, then neighborhood mediation and facilitated dialogues are the trick. The number one thing to do when you do a community booth display is to get their contact information. People appreciate a follow up letter, phone call, or email that’s personalized – it shows you’re thoughtful and that you remember them and that you’re committed to making your program successful.

It never fails – at every display someone tells me “Thank You,” for doing the work or for attending their event. The impact is clear… more people know about mediation and how to gain access to it!

Amanda Burbage