Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

• Victim services and other justice organizations• Schools• Businesses• Religious organizations• Recreational services• Social services• Offender groups• The justice systemCOMMUNICATIONS – BUILDING AND MAINTAINING COMMUNITY SUPPORTThe success of any Community Accountability Program depends oncommunity support. To build and maintain support, devise acommunication strategy that reaches individuals and groups representingthe various interests and cultures of your community.Establishing contact with local media can result in significant exposure foryour program, which in turn can help with public awareness, fundraising,and volunteer recruitment. Find opportunities to tell people about yourprogram, such as:• Radio interviews and local cable TV shows• Distribution of written materials• Presentations to religious organizations, civic groups, college or highschool classes, violence prevention groups, local or provincialgovernment agencies, and social groupsBuild your message around stories of real-life experiences, especially thoseabout local people or conditions. Be careful, however, to respectconfidentiality.Highlight the differences between Community Accountability Programs andthe court system. Let people know why you believe the restorative justiceapproach will benefit your community.Getting Started 33