The Town of Carrboro was among 25 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2023 Excellence in Communications Awards. Carrboro won two first place awards in Citizen Participation and Most Creative With Least Dollars Spent.
The awards were announced May 4, 2023, during NC3C’s annual conference. All 144 award program entries were judged by professional communications peers from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.
“To win an award in this field of outstanding communicators is a real accomplishment,” said NC3C President Stacie Galloway. “The NC3C board extends our sincere congratulations to those working so hard to reach their communities in creative and effective ways.”
The awards spotlight programs that support the Town Council’s commitment to having an equitable public participation system that enfranchises everyone. The Communication & Engagement Department continues to explore ways to increase the influence and involvement of all residents in civic and community life.
Carrboro in Motion Fest/Festival de la Comunidad en Movimiento – The Town of Carrboro received a first place award in the Citizen Participation category for its program of community block parties at apartment complexes. The events create a method for the Town to establish a presence in underserved communities and neighborhoods, build relationships, offer multiple ways for residents to contribute input and feedback, and receive information about programs and services. The events leverage community assets and strengths from public agencies and partners, including El Centro Hispano, Bike Carrboro, Chapel Hill Transit, Kramden Institute, Carrboro Run Club, NEXT, Red Ridge NC Bike Share, Orange Literacy, Orange County Public Library, and Carrboro Transportation Choices. “This sounds like a great initiative to meet residents where they're at and get them to meet their neighbors, city staff and elected officials,” commented a judge. Learn more at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2735/Carrboro-In-Motion
Bilingual Calendar – The Town of Carrboro received a first place award in the Most Creative With Least Dollars Spent category for its bilingual (English/Spanish) calendar featuring free community events. Calendars were distributed to residents who live in the Qualified Census Tract, as well as those in apartment complexes and mobile home parks. A judge commented: “Excellent way of connecting with the community and sharing resources. Each month has a QR code with a resource link for employment opportunities, wellness activities, park programs, etc. without being an overwhelming list of links. I appreciate how it was staff that delivered the calendars to create a secondary opportunity to connect one-on-one with the public.” Download the calendar at https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12230/Carrboro-Calendar-2023-
About NC3C
The purpose of North Carolina City & County Communicators is to encourage professional development and networking among local governmental communications professionals. The organization was formed in March 2007, and consists of professional government communicators from around the state. For more information about NC3C, visit www.nc3c.com.
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