Community Events
There are lots of great opportunities to bring prescribed fire messaging directly to community members through meetings, events, open houses, and more.
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Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Strategies for Virtual Meetings
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network—Getting a Great Turnout
Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3Washington Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Community Engagement Toolkit -
Fire festivals are outreach and education events focused on prescribed fire and “good fire”. These events are generally held outdoors and focused on the general public, including families and children. The types of activities at a fire festival depends on the organizers.
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Best Practices for Community Meetings
Determine what type of event might work best. Sometimes community meetings provide a great venue for in depth discussion. Other times, a more informal gathering is exactly what is needed.
Consider people’s daily/weekly schedules. Are you asking folks to attend a meeting right after a long work day? Would a weekend event garner more turn out? How far will folks need to travel?
Standalone meetings typically aren’t a great use of time or resources. Plan meetings and open houses as part of a planned, multi-pronged campaign. Your meeting should be coordinated with specific, highly-targeted outreach initiatives.
Bring in partners. Events have a stronger draw when multiple partners and cooperators from different organizations are involved. Specifically target community leaders or other key people in your area who may be able to spread information and enthusiasm within their networks.
Add interactive components. Tie in a community meeting or open house with another type of engagement, such as a movie showing.