We’re excited to launch our Ask an Expert series, featuring insights from prevention professionals across North Carolina. For our first edition, we’re spotlighting Jessica Garza, Prevention Program Manager with APNC. Jessica’s background in social work, research, program development, policy analysis, and advocacy continues to shape her work in prevention. She is passionate about elevating youth voices, promoting compassionate care, and expanding equitable access to resources. When she’s not advocating for change, Jessica enjoys chai lattes, spending time with her Chiweenie, Sally, and her mom’s famous Arroz con Gandules!
Q: How can we communicate with funders and stakeholders about the importance of prevention work?
Communicating the value of prevention starts with understanding your audience. Pay close attention to the language funders and community partners already use-on their websites, social media, and in public statements. You’ll often find overlap between their priorities and prevention outcomes, even if the words are different. That overlap is your bridge! Frame prevention in their language to show how it supports their goals.
Before reaching out, get clear on your core message: What do you want them to understand, and why should they care? Using a message box can help map out your key points and tailor them to different audiences. Having a few local data points or success stories ready can also make your message stick. Echoing their language shows you’ve done your homework-and builds trust.
Think of it like the “100 Cups of Coffee” approach: Every conversation is a chance to connect, not just pitch. Whether it’s over coffee, on Zoom, or at a community event, building genuine relationships over time helps prevention resonate.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every funder and partner brings different priorities and styles. That’s why doing your research, being intentional, and listening deeply are key-not just to talking about prevention, but to making it matter.
Helpful Resources:
Please submit questions you may have for our experts to Robert Greer, our Prevention Support Coordinator at [email protected]