Kids are the word

Children’s laughter is one of most beautiful sounds in the world. Unfortunately, there are thousands of Arizona children that have lived with neglect, abuse, or abandonment that results in separation from their families. This creates feelings of uncertainty, sadness, fear, and anger. As families work toward reunifying, visits together are organized during the week to foster healthy relationship between parents and children. In many cases, these supervised visits are done in a Department of Child Safety’s (DCS) office and provide little opportunity in ways of toys, space, and a comfortable atmosphere. Arizonans for Children has created a way to promote an environment that relates to children in space, varieties of toys, and atmospheres that are fun and comfortable. Their mission is to support family relationships by providing an environment that can be fun and enjoyable resulting in families that can grow and bond together.

There is a great need for organizations like Arizonans for Children. When children are separated from their parents, siblings, extended family, and the only environment they have ever known and then placed with new foster families, cultures and environments this change is a traumatic experience in itself. By creating a welcoming, bright, fun location to play with parents and siblings on a weekly basis, children can begin to heal and move forward in healthy relationships with their families.

The connotation of foster care

As I began to enter the community of other foster care families and share with my friends and family our decision to care for a child, I was surprised by the amount of negative feedback I received. Nearly everyone had some myth or narrative, which was not from personal experience, that focused on the weaknesses of the foster care system, terrible behavior of the children, and inconsistencies of biological families. Truth is, these stories do exist but the many positive stories of reunification or adoption are rarely heard. Communication about foster care can improve significantly by sharing and focusing on more positive experiences. Also, DCS policies continue to change to better meet the needs of children and their families. When correct information is shared rather than relying on what people perceive, and “the more it can be freed of the human component, that is, of such things as emotional and values, expectations and perceptions, the more valid and reliable does it become.” (Drucker) In no way is the foster care system perfect and the high emotions are inevitable and expected, especially in dealing with young children. Possibly, however, with sharing good narratives and improving communication in communities, more families would consider fostering children.

How can I improve communication to better support my non-profit organization that helps the needs of foster care children and families?

Communicating with your audience

In order to communicate effectively, consider the following questions:

1. Who will be visiting my website?
2. How can I connect to a wide range of cultures and languages?
3. What will my readers expect to read or learn from my website?
4. How can I improve the writing for our organization?

Effective communication begins with knowing your audience and how they might understand your message. “Only then can we know whether communication can utilize his expectations…” (Drucker) As humans, our perception is based on previous experiences and may be difficult to “see” a different point of view. Keep in mind as you consider who your readers are that they are coming to your site for a reason. “If, in other words, communication fits in with aspirations, the values, and the purposes of the recipient, it is powerful.” (Drucker) Connecting with the desires of your audience will provide content for your website.

Arizona is rich in history and has its own set of cultures and customs. As globalization continues to connect people all over the world, the more diverse our communities become. It is not difficult to find members of our communities from Mexico, Central and South America, Turkey, China, and Africa, just to name a few. Foster care is in every country and the specifics vary depending on cultures and customs. Including a variety of these cultures in images and media can help to connect to readers globally, nationally, and locally. Relating to a wide range of audiences will require a way of speaking. “Speaking directly is better than speaking indirectly. Speaking positively is better than criticizing. Negotiating is better than arguing. Sharing your feelings is better than being silent and withdrawn…norms of this sort are applicable across languages, dialects, cultures and contexts.” (Cameron)

Writing help

Consider the following elements to improve writing:

1. Check for grammar mistakes such as spelling and punctuation: Do a quick spell check or read a second time just looking for corrections.
2. Read for style and syntax: Do your sentences make sense? Are you ideas clear? Are your words choppy or provide clarity?
3. Get a second opinion: Have a colleague provide feedback on areas that are weak or make suggestions for improvement.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. -Steve Jobs

Communication about a subject that is surrounded by negativity can be difficult to portray in a positive way. By sharing uplifting narratives about successful families that have attended your center will be a powerful approach. By also including local supporters that have an interest in foster care shows validity in your cause. Considering the diverse population of individuals and families not only here in Arizona but globally can connect people who are drawn to helping those in need, especially to children that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Finally, looking at your writing critically for grammar mistakes, clarity, and for weak spots can improve the quality of message you are trying to share. Ultimately, caring for children is the greatest, the most important work we can do, and reaching out to communities through Arizonans for Children is a wonderful cause in improving the world around us.