CHOICE Community Outreach Manual: Materials and Best Practices

1. CHOICE Community Outreach Manual: Materials and Best Practices Marketing your LARC FIRST Practice

2. Community Outreach Table CHOICE study findings Method effectiveness cylinders Method models and info cut-outs QR code buttons Candy to attract visitors Table runner with CHOICE logo Question wheel

3. Community Outreach TABLE MATERIALS

4. Method Cylinders:Used to visualize the difference in effectiveness between LARC, refillable methods (birth control pills, patch, and vaginal ring), and no method use • Glass Cylinders—purchased at Target $15/each • Glitter Styrofoam Balls—Purchased at Michaels Craft Store $100/total • For instructions on creating the cylinders, refer to: Instructions for Creating Method Effectiveness Cylinders

5. Birth Control Question Wheel:Provides an interactive element to the community outreach table • Wheel—purchased online at Amazon $70 • Questions can be changed to cater toward different audiences, depending on the outreach event (i.e., adolescents, teachers, general public, health professionals) • For a list of CHOICE wheel questions, refer to Community Outreach Wheel Questions

6. Method Models & Facts:Increases awareness about all methods of birth control in the community • Methods—Received from pharmaceutical rep • Method Info cut outs—printed on white paper; colorful cardstock backing; laminated to preserve life • For printable versions, refer to Method Info Cutouts for Model Displays

7. Tablecloth & Runner:Increases aesthetic value of the outreach table and improves visibility of the organization’s name • Tablecloth—purchased online www.totallytablecovers.com $100 • Table cloth has corner darts to fit an 8 ft. table. Can be inconvenient if outreach table is smaller/larger • Table runner—purchased from local graphic design company $100

8. Retractable Display:Vibrant colors help draw visitors to the table • 36”x80” purchased at local graphic design company $278 • Comes with convenient travelling case

9. CHOICE Results Poster:Technique used by CHOICE to disseminate preliminary study findings • PDF design created by CHOICE; replicated and enlarged on sustainable material by local graphic design company, $100 • For the PDF version of CHOICE results, refer to CHOICE Study Findings in the Evidence module

10. Community Outreach Best practices

11. Finding Outreach Opportunities • Involve entire staff in the search • Sign up for community listservs • Conduct a web search for “upcoming community health fairs” • Network for upcoming events while at an event (take and hand out business cards of/to other exhibitors) • Keep record of events for the following year

12. Tracking Community Outreach • Keep track of events attended on a simple Microsoft Excel or Word spreadsheet. For the CHOICE spreadsheet, refer to: Community Table Event Database • Have staff keep tally on paper of how many people visited the table during their shift at an event; enter into spreadsheet afterward • Keeping track helps decide whether to attend the following year, as well as helps to evaluate your marketing and outreach efforts

13. Other Logistics • Best to have at least 2 staff persons available for each shift at an event • Outreach can help promote practice & gain patients • Give out free items such as candy, pens, buttons, or t-shirts • Great opportunity for ‘on-the-spot’ contraceptive counseling and myth debunking