| For the second consecutive year counties will be recognized nationally for outstanding NCGM celebrations through the National County Government Month Award program.
But new for 2012 is that second place awards will also be presented.
Like last year, three counties will receive the top award — rural counties (population less than 100,000); suburban counties (population between 100,000 and 500,000) and metropolitan counties (population above 500,000). First place winning entries will receive two, free registrations that could be used at any NACo conference. This prize is worth more than $1,000.
Counties chosen for second place awards will receive one, free conference registration. All counties that submit entries will receive certificates recognizing the programs they initiated.
The purpose of the award program is to encourage counties to participate in NCGM and to recognize those counties that sponsor outstanding programs to educate residents about county government during the month of April. A team of public relations professionals from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) — a NACo affiliate organization — will judge the applications.
NACo’s 2011 National County Government Month Award winners were Bernalillo County, N.M., Manatee County, Fla. and Cape May County, N.J. The winning counties received two free conference registrations to any future NACo conference.
Readers can review last year’s winning entries and all of last year’s entries at www.naco.org/programs/countiesdo/Pages/ncgm/
The online application form will be made available by the end of January. Deadline for submitting entries is May 25. | |
National politics are sure to dominate the headlines in 2012 with the White House and control of Congress up for grabs. But county officials across the country can generate their own positive publicity at home through National County Government Month (NCGM) celebrations in April.
Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties to actively promote county government services and programs. This year’s theme is “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families,” which complements NACo President Lenny Eliason’s Healthy Counties presidential initiative. Counties can link their own county government month activities to this theme by promoting local health services and wellness programs.
NCGM activities do not need to be limited to spotlighting health services. Does your county participate in the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program? If so, why not visit community centers and hold public events highlighting the success of the program? Tout the total money saved by local residents and how easy it is for anyone — regardless of income or health condition — to obtain and use the free discount cards.
Consider other county services and programs that are important to communicate to the public. Transportation, infrastructure, public safety, green government, housing, economic development, parks and recreation — the choice is yours, and the possibilities are countless to plan fun and informative community outreach efforts.
The best approach to NCGM is to plan ahead, and now is the time. A booklet full of ideas to celebrate NCGM is available on the NCGM page located on the NACo website. The booklet contains suggested community activities, a draft proclamation, a sample news release, media outreach strategies and much more.
Popular county government month events include holding public tours of county facilities; visiting students, community organizations and business leaders; holding student essay and art contests, and sponsoring “County Family Day” events on the courthouse grounds. Counties can hold media events, submit newspaper articles or appear as a guest on local TV and radio shows. What’s important is to find effective ways to discuss new county services and programs, highlight existing ones or otherwise explain the roles and responsibilities of county government.
“I encourage every county to start planning now for National County Government Month,” Eliason said. “Counties and the important services they provide are too often overlooked, underappreciated or unknown. It’s up to us as county officials to carry the flag for county government and champion what they do each day.”
Whether your county applies for an award or not, NACo wants to know what activities and programs you have planned for NCGM. A special online form is available on the NACo website to inform NACo about your county’s NCGM plans. There you will be able to upload your photos, flyers, calendars, proclamations and other county government month materials so NACo can share this information with other counties to help them have a successful celebration. You may also send your activities and materials directly to Jim Philipps, NACo media relations manager, at jphilipps@naco.org.