Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
68 <br /> stakeholders to become more engaged members of the community. The plan will also <br /> provide realistic timeframes for accomplishing these goals in the coming months and <br /> years. <br /> III. Communications philosophy <br /> The City of Red Wing is committed to developing and maintaining an interactive <br /> partnership with all segments of the community. This can only be achieved through <br /> ongoing and meaningful communication among and between citizens, elected officials, <br /> city boards and commissions, businesses, community-based organizations, and <br /> employees. <br /> The city is further committed to a proactive approach to communications, seeking to <br /> identify issues as they develop and promote a dialogue about them with relevant target <br /> audiences. The role of communications is to provide timely information on city <br /> programs, services, and activities and develop feedback opportunities to ensure that our <br /> efforts meet the community's needs. <br /> City departments are encouraged to contact communications staff when there is an <br /> issue that needs to be communicated such as service changes, new projects, citizen <br /> involvement initiatives, positive success stories, milestones and hot issues. It is crucial <br /> to understand that this includes news that can be perceived as negative and to <br /> communicate these issues and the rationale behind them. Communications staff will <br /> help evaluate the situation, who may be impacted or be interested, establish outcomes, <br /> develop key messages and identify the best communication tools to use. <br /> Effective communications will... <br /> - Help policy-makers and constituents cooperatively formulate and achieve <br /> common goals. <br /> - Support the city's philosophy of providing quality services to all customers <br /> equitably, in a responsive and caring manner. <br /> - Strengthen the city's image and build support for municipal programs. <br /> - Enable residents to take full advantage of city services. <br /> - Educate and enhance citizens' understanding of issues facing the city. <br /> - Promote understanding of, and compliance with, city ordinances. <br /> - Reinforce a sense of openness that encourages citizen participation in local <br /> government. <br /> - Foster a sense of community among Red Wing residents. <br /> - Foster cooperative relationships with other units of government, business and <br /> civic groups, and organizations active in Red Wing. <br /> - Encourage communication among customers, community groups, council <br /> members, and city employees. <br />