County Resources for April's National County Government Month
News Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021
April is National County Government Month (NCGM). Now, more than ever, the hard work of counties that positively affects the lives of all residents is vitally important.
April is National County Government Month (NCGM). Now, more than ever, the hard work of counties that positively affects the lives of all residents is vitally important. NACo and CCAP are spreading the word about what counties do - so often unknown or misunderstood - but it’s critical to connect with your local communities too.
So, NCGM is a perfect opportunity to share all of the great ways counties – and specifically your county – serve your residents. Ready to use materials are available to help you support “Counties Matter,” the theme of April’s National County Government Month which is focused on raising awareness of the roles and responsibilities of counties – with adults and children. And while you’re talking about your county’s accomplishments, consider submitting them for either a CCAP or NACo annual award (more details below).
National County Government Month Resources
NACo and CCAP have a multitude of resources and templates that can be used as is or customized for your county. Take action with any of numerous activities.
Also, CCAP’s call for nominations for the Annual Awards honoring excellence in county government and individual achievements is now open. It’s another opportunity to highlight your great work. We encourage you to consider nominating an individual that you feel has made significant contributions to county government during the past year (May 2020 – now). Award categories include: Outstanding Commissioner/Council Member; Outstanding Chief Clerk/Administrator; Outstanding Solicitor; Friend of County Government; Affiliate; and President’s Award. We are hopeful that the awards will be presented in-person during the Annual Conference on Tuesday, August 3 at The Hershey Lodge during a special dinner and awards ceremony. View Annual Awards information at the Annual Conference and Trade Show webpage for more information. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 14.
NACo 2021 Achievement Awards
We also hope that you will nominate some of your best county initiatives for NACo’s Achievement Awards program. This helps NACo promote your accomplishments and share your proven practices with all NACo members. The deadline to apply is March 31. Learn more and apply today at www.NACo.org/AchievementAwards.
So, NCGM is a perfect opportunity to share all of the great ways counties – and specifically your county – serve your residents. Ready to use materials are available to help you support “Counties Matter,” the theme of April’s National County Government Month which is focused on raising awareness of the roles and responsibilities of counties – with adults and children. And while you’re talking about your county’s accomplishments, consider submitting them for either a CCAP or NACo annual award (more details below).
National County Government Month Resources
NACo and CCAP have a multitude of resources and templates that can be used as is or customized for your county. Take action with any of numerous activities.
- Issue and publicize a county proclamation noting National County Government Month.
- Schedule a call with your congressional representative(s) or key staff in your congressional district office. Use the call to explain the challenges facing your residents and how Congress can help. Use CCAP’s Legislative Action Center including Grassroots Toolkit, Engaging Legislators and Building Relationships, So, What Does County Government Actually Do, Budget Advocacy in Uncertain Economic Times, Grassroots in a Digital Age and Messaging and Speaking Skills Can Inform, Influence and Motivate.
- Also, use CCAP’s Priorities information to adapt your local messaging and NACo’s Counties Matter site for statistics and information.
- Engage media representatives in activities and update them on important issues. Ask them to focus on county responsibilities as a civics lesson of sorts, for the benefit of residents who don’t know about services and programs. Use NACo’s Media Relations Guide. Download NACo’s NCGM news release template. Also, use NACo’s NCGM social media posts, with artwork. And, check out CCAP’s Connecting With the Media and Your Audiences.
- Prepare and distribute brief fact sheets on services and programs. Roll out a “County Fact of the Day” or publicize fact sheets representing key county departments. Promote facts and information many residents do not know about but need to know. Supplement your fact sheets with CCAP’s ready to use Counties Are fact sheet and County Human Service Are fact sheet.
- NACo’s civic education resources provide perfect opportunities to inform young people about county government and have fun at the same time. Use Counties Work and iCivics materials. Use NACo’s My County Works activity book. Also start a “I Love My County Because” art contest. Winning artwork will be featured in an 18-month NACo calendar, which will be distributed to NACo members nationwide. Winners will also be announced in NACo’s flagship publication, County News, and their artwork will be displayed at NACo’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Also, CCAP’s call for nominations for the Annual Awards honoring excellence in county government and individual achievements is now open. It’s another opportunity to highlight your great work. We encourage you to consider nominating an individual that you feel has made significant contributions to county government during the past year (May 2020 – now). Award categories include: Outstanding Commissioner/Council Member; Outstanding Chief Clerk/Administrator; Outstanding Solicitor; Friend of County Government; Affiliate; and President’s Award. We are hopeful that the awards will be presented in-person during the Annual Conference on Tuesday, August 3 at The Hershey Lodge during a special dinner and awards ceremony. View Annual Awards information at the Annual Conference and Trade Show webpage for more information. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 14.
NACo 2021 Achievement Awards
We also hope that you will nominate some of your best county initiatives for NACo’s Achievement Awards program. This helps NACo promote your accomplishments and share your proven practices with all NACo members. The deadline to apply is March 31. Learn more and apply today at www.NACo.org/AchievementAwards.