Ask Praxis: How can rural advocacy programs build relationships and trust with marginalized communities in their service area?

When you realize your outreach isn’t reaching everyone in your community, it’s easy to slip into self-doubt. Remember, strengthening relationships with marginalized folks is not achieved with one act. Drawing on reliable, time-tested community organizing strategies is a

great approach.

Start by showing up and helping to solve problems. Even if the issues are not directly related to gender-based violence, being present and tackling challenges alongside the community helps lay the groundwork for trust. You want your program to be a good citizen. You want you work to not just be accepted but supported and valued by the community.

Focus on solutions that come from within your community. Collaborate with formal and informal leaders, such as those in farming, 4-H, outdoor recreation, and tribal or county fairs, and dedicate the necessary time and resources to build long-lasting connections. Don’t

be afraid to think outside the box and have fun!

Get familiar with the demographic makeup of your service area. Understanding marginalized communities' unique dynamics, histories, and priorities will help guide your approach. Humility, compassion, honesty, and creativity are essential.

Here are some areas to reflect on as you strengthen your approach:

• Representation: Is your board, staff, and volunteer pool reflective of the people you seek to serve? If not, why? If so, are their voices centered in programming and operations? Are they in leadership positions?

• Language Access: Do you have a language access plan? It is important that services and materials are available in peoples’ first language and qualified interpreters are readily accessible.

• Support and Collaboration: Does your program support the work of culturally specific services and/or community leaders? Are they involved with your organization? Do you co-sponsor events and lend expertise to each other?

• Community Input: Have you sought input from people and organizations from marginalized communities? Have you engaged them in interviews, surveys, and focus groups?

For additional guidance on strengthening outreach and building meaningful relationships with marginalized communities, check out culturally specific TA providers. Organizations like Activating Change, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, Esperanza United, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, Monsoon Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, Tahirih Justice Center, Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, and others offer valuable resources tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities.