Tips on how to work with your community

Working with your community leaders, members of parliament and health agencies

Right now, you need to be the voice of calm, reason and wisdom. You also need to educate yourself in order to lead your organization. Start by being a great community leader. Here are a few other tips to work with your community right now.

1. Most importantly, reach out to your community leaders, government authorities.

Contact your local mayor and members of city hall. Introduce yourself and be accessible to help with establishing policies and plans to be implemented during the pandemic. Be involved in preparedness efforts and share your expertise and capabilities in order to help your community in its ongoing response to the pandemic.

Reach out to all levels of government; local, provincial and federal. Offer to help raise awareness, communicate accurate information, counter rumours, provide needed services, and liaise with the government during this time. Identify your strengths and potential roles and, in partnership with your local government and other local organizations, help plan for the continued actions taken during the pandemic. Advocate on behalf of your organization and community with the Federal Government by taking part in letter writing campaigns.

Information on suggested letter writing campaigns can be found by accessing the E-News sent out on April 16th -

Members of Parliament https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/search, https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/ministries

2. Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest news and recommendations by accessing the Federal Government of Canada website as well your provincial government website.

• Alberta

• British Columbia

• Manitoba

• New Brunswick

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Northwest Territories

• Nova Scotia

• Nunavut

• Ontario

• Prince Edward Island

• Québec

• Saskatchewan

• Yukon

3. Be aware of the facts. Keep on top of up-to-date information by following these reputable websites.

Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada - Facebook Public Health Agency of Canada - Travel

BC Centre for Disease Control Alberta Health Services Saskatchewan Health Authority Manitoba Health Ontario Health

Santé Quebec Nova Scotia Health Authority New Brunswick Health Health PEI Newfoundland Health and Community Services Yukon Health and Social Services Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Nunavut Department of Health

World Health Organization National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update Information for Government of Canada employees: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Ultimately, don't hesitate to reach out to any of these groups, agencies or government departments. We're all in this together and so they want to help you too! It never hurts to make a call or send an email and simply start the conversation.