Approach
Research tactic: TVA conducted a total of eleven (11) community focus groups in English and Vietnamese, twenty-three (23) interviews were completed in English and Spanish, and administered a state-wide digital survey in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Somali to gather a deep understanding of community barriers and needs in accessing RCO’s grant programs.
Creative tactic: Recruitment promotional assets were developed in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and utilized simple graphics and colors that exemplified the outdoors to invoke clarity within the prioritized communities about the subject matter.
Media/campaign tactic: TVA utilized community flyering, direct e-mail and phone outreach, social media promotion, and digital display banner advertisements to recruit participants for our community engagement events.
Outcome
Between community conversations, interviews, and the digital survey, 152 individuals participated on behalf of an organization or group. Over half (61%) were with non-profit organizations, 25% were with local governments or special districts, 10% were with State or Federal agencies, and several participants were affiliated with different tribes, including eight participants from four separate tribal groups. TVA’s research yielded important insights and recommendations around obstacles to applying for RCO grants and in the grant evaluation process, the unlevel playing field for applicants, suggested program improvements, tactics for supporting tribal engagement, and emerging investment opportunities.