It’s not enough to have data—to make an impact, that data needs to reach the right people. The audiences for Voices of Youth Count data range from local providers to state-level policy makers to federal law-makers. To ensure amplification of key messages from the research, VoYC has begun working with partner sites to coordinate communication strategy across these different audiences.  

Last month, Chapin Hall held two communication webinars for lead agency partners in the 22 VoYC sites.  Marrianne McMullen, Director of Communications at Chapin Hall, facilitated the webinars. She was joined by Jenny Vidis and Beth Horwitz of the Voices of Youth Count policy research team. Together, they provided a general overview of the release schedule and reviewed the communication resources that Chapin Hall was producing, including one-page summaries of findings for each site. 

The presentation also highlighted potential audiences for local release of VoYC reports and findings. The list included state and local government agencies, funders, media outlets, provider networks, and congressional delegations.  

Representatives from 14 of the VoYC sites participated in the webinars. Attendees shared their perspectives on media strategy and dissemination, including plans for local releases of VoYC findings. Local events like conferences, public meetings, and celebrations provide opportunities for sharing findings.  

For information on local media releases, visit our page of VoYC partner organizations.