We Are Counties | Participation Toolkit

Welcome to We Are Counties

Dear County Leader,

On behalf of the National Association of Counties, I am pleased to invite you to join We Are Counties, a national public affairs-driven advocacy campaign designed to help counties, parishes and boroughs tell our story and elevate the vital role our governments play in communities across the country.

Every day, counties – led by people like you – deliver essential services that touch nearly every aspect of our residents’ lives, from public health or transportation infrastructure, to public safety, economic development and human services. Yet too often, the breadth, complexity and impact of county government is not fully understood by either state and federal lawmakers nor the general public. We Are Counties exists to change that by clearly and consistently communicating the role counties play and why it matters.

This toolkit is designed to make participation easy and flexible. Inside, you will find ready-to-use templates and communications resources, including sample messaging, graphics, data points and storytelling guidance, along with ideas for how to tailor the campaign to reflect your county’s unique priorities and experiences. Whether you choose to use or adapt NACo-developed materials or highlight your own programs and successes, we hope you will join in sharing your county’s story with confidence.

Here are a few suggested quick and easy ways your county can start contributing to the campaign:

  • Post on social media twice a month using pre-created NACo graphics or with statistics and infographics developed by your own county
  • Include the hashtag #WeAreCounties when sharing on Facebook, Linkedin, X, Instagram to help drive the national conversation and expand reach
  • Edit the draft op-ed to fit your county’s story, and submit it to local media
  • Highlight real stories of your county’s impact within your community through videos, social media, at state or county events, and other platforms
  • Pass a county proclamation joining the We Are Counties campaign (free to do!) and use the draft press release to announce your participation locally
  • Wear your We Are Counties button (distributed at the Legislative Conference), display the poster, and share materials with others
  • Don’t forget – while NACo-provided materials offer a strong foundation, telling your own story is often the most powerful way to show the value of county government.

Though each of America’s counties, parishes and boroughs is unique in size, geography and character, we are united by a shared commitment to service and stewardship of the communities we represent. By participating in We Are Counties, you help strengthen a collective voice that ensures counties are seen, understood and valued at every level.

We hope you will join us in this effort to educate, inform and elevate the work of county government nationwide.

Sincerely,

JD Clark Signature

Judge Clark
NACo President 

Participation Toolkit

Thank you for participating in the We Are Counties campaign! We are excited to have you join counties, parishes and boroughs across the nation in amplifying the important work county government does every day. The participation toolkit helps counties take action by sharing our stories of community impact, engaging audiences and elevating county voices at the local and national level.

Media Outreach Tools

Below, access template outreach materials to help tell your county story in your local press.

Use the template letter press release to announce your county's participation in the campaign. Download

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
CONTACT: Name, Email

[County Name] to Participate in Three-Year We Are Counties Educational Campaign

Counties to highlight key role counties have in communities across the country 

[LOCATION] — [County Name] announced today that [County Name] will be participating in a three-year public affairs-driven advocacy campaign called We Are Counties, a nationwide effort led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and launched in February. The campaign exists to clearly and consistently show what counties do for over 300 million Americans every day, and why it matters.

Across the nation, there are 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs, each serving its own community while sharing a common mission of public service. Together, counties form a nationwide system that supports residents wherever they live, work or travel. This shared responsibility is at the heart of the We Are Counties educational campaign, focusing on building understanding among residents and policymakers about the essential role counties play in every day American life.

[County Name] aims to participate in this campaign by [INSERT EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES YOU AIM TO DO, SUCH AS A SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN, DID YOU KNOW VIDEO SERIES HIGHLIGHTING LITTLE-KNOWN COUNTY WORK, PUBLIC EVENTS, ETC.] 

[QUOTE EXPLAINING WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO THE COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMPAIGN AS A WAY OF SHOWING OUR RESIDENTS HOW WE ARE HELPING THEM THRIVE.] 

Counties are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #WeAreCounties.

For more information on this nationwide campaign, visit www.NACo.org/WeAreCounties.

Use the template op-ed to share the impact of counties with your local media. Download

We Are Counties: The Local Government That Serves Our Community Every Day

By [Name], [Title], [County Name]

When people think about government, they often picture Washington, D.C. or their state capital. But many of the services residents rely on every day are delivered by county government.

Counties, parishes and boroughs touch nearly every part of life in our community. We maintain roads and bridges, protect public safety, administer elections, respond to public health challenges and coordinate disaster assistance. We also provide programs that help families, seniors and veterans thrive, ensuring the community has the resources it needs when it matters most.

In [County Name], county government exists to serve this community. County employees and elected officials work on your behalf to deliver essential services, respond to challenges and plan for the future. Our goal is to provide the foundation that helps our community function and thrive.

[INSERT LOCAL EXAMPLES OR WINS]

For example, in [County Name], the county has [brief example such as improving emergency response times, investing in infrastructure, expanding access to services, supporting economic growth, modernizing systems or responding to a recent local need]. These efforts reflect a commitment to meeting local priorities and being responsible stewards of public resources.

[County Name] is also part of something larger. Across the nation, there are 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs, each serving their own community while sharing a common mission of public service. Together, counties form a nationwide system that supports residents wherever they live, work or travel.

This shared responsibility is at the heart of the We Are Counties campaign, a national effort led by the National Association of Counties to help share information around what counties do and why county government matters. The campaign focuses on building understanding among residents and policymakers about the essential role counties play in communities across America.

[OPTIONAL LOCAL DATA OR STATS]

In [County Name], county government is responsible for [number] miles of roads, [number] public facilities, [number] residents served through county programs or other locally relevant data that shows the scope of county responsibilities.

County government is practical by design. We are problem solvers. We work across jurisdictions, partner with state and federal agencies and adapt to local conditions because no two communities are exactly alike. That flexibility allows counties to respond effectively to changing needs while remaining closely connected to the people we serve.

In [County Name], county leaders and staff are proud to serve this community and remain committed to meeting today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow.

We are counties. And serving our communities is at the heart of what we do.

Social Media Tools

This section provides helpful templates and ideas to help you share your story and highlight the impact of your county.

  • Post frequency: Aim for at least two posts per month to maintain visibility for #WeAreCounties
  • Customization: Add your county’s name, statistics, and local programs or accomplishments to make posts relevant to your community
  • Graphics: Use or adapt NACo-provided graphics or create local images featuring county staff, landmarks or initiatives
  • Engagement: Encourage residents to share their own county experiences, photos or stories using #WeAreCounties
  • Platforms: Copy can be used for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or adapted for Twitter/X or your preferred platform
  • Moments: Tie your #WeAreCounties posts to other key moments for counties throughout the year, such as National County Government Month

Facebook/LinkedIn 

[COUNTY] is excited to join counties across the nation in the #WeAreCounties campaign! This campaign highlights the essential work county governments provide every day—from public safety and roads to health services and programs for families, seniors and veterans. Follow along to see how we are serving our community and learn more about the impact of county government. #WeAreCounties

Facebook/LinkedIn 

We are proud to announce that [COUNTY] is participating in the #WeAreCounties campaign! Counties play a vital role in supporting residents and strengthening communities. This campaign helps share the story of the work we do every day to serve our neighbors. #WeAreCounties

Twitter/X

[COUNTY] is proud to join the #WeAreCounties campaign! We’re highlighting the programs and services that make our community stronger, safer and healthier every day. #WeAreCounties

Twitter/X

We’re joining counties nationwide to share how county government makes a difference. Follow [COUNTY] and learn more about our essential services through the #WeAreCounties campaign!

Facebook/Longer Post Template

Highlighting Essential Services

In [COUNTY], we provide essential services every day, from public safety and disaster response to programs for families, seniors, and veterans. County government helps our community thrive. #WeAreCounties

In [COUNTY], public stewardship is a priority. We provide essential record keeping for residents every day — issuing birth certificates, land records, marriage licenses and more. [LINK TO COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE]. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that 1 in 50 American workers are county employees? [COUNTY] employees serve residents every day — supporting housing, recreation, economic development, community health, public safety and so much more. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that counties nationwide invest more than $12B annually in county parks and recreation opportunities? Here in [COUNTY], we’re investing in community wellness by [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT COUNTY-SPECIFIC PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS.] #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that 62% of counties nationwide are home to non-taxable federal lands? In [COUNTY], our boundaries include [NUMBER] acres of public land. [COUNTY] provides essential services to support these lands every day, from fire protection to road maintenance and more. #WeAreCounties

Infrastructure/Community Foundation

[COUNTY] maintains the roads, bridges, and facilities that keep our community connected and safe. County government is the foundation that supports daily life. #WeAreCounties

From courthouses and libraries to water systems and more — counties invest more than $146B annually in building, maintaining and operating the public infrastructure that keeps our communities thriving. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that counties own and operate 44% of all public road miles, investing $32.8B annually towards highway maintenance and construction? Learn more about the county role in surface transportation: https://bit.ly/4qx3oC6 #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow more than 230,000 bridges nationwide are county-owned, representing 38% of the national bridge inventory? [COUNTY] proudly owns and maintains [COUNTY-SPECIFIC NUMBER] bridges, connecting communities and keeping residents safe. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that counties operate 40% of public transportation systems and more than one-third of public airports? [COUNTY] is proud to support residents on the road and in the air. [INSERT COUNTY-SPECIFIC TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES TO HIGHLIGHT]. #WeAreCounties

Health and Human Services

[COUNTY] cares for residents at every stage of life — protecting public health and delivering critical medical, behavioral, and long-term care services. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that counties nationwide operate more than 900 public hospitals and 700 long-term care facilities? In [COUNTY], we’re taking steps to support residents’ health by [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT COUNTY-SPECIFIC HEALTH PROGRAMS/INVESTMENTS]. #WeAreCounties

Nationwide, counties are leaders in public health — investing more than $130B annually in hospitals, public health, behavioral health and care for our most vulnerable residents. In [COUNTY], we’re keeping residents healthy with programs like [COUNTY PROGRAM] and more. #WeAreCounties

Public Safety & Disaster Preparedness

[COUNTY] is on the front lines of protecting residents every day. We operate 911 call centers, administer courts, provide juvenile justice and youth services, and lead disaster preparedness and recovery. #WeAreCounties

#DidYouKnow that up to one-third of counties face a major natural disaster each year? In [COUNTY], we’re investing in disaster preparedness by [INSERT INFORMATION ON COUNTY-SPECIFIC DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE INITIATIVES]. #WeAreCounties

In times of crisis, county governments are on the front lines of emergency management, response and recovery. Learn how [COUNTY] supports residents in times of crisis and beyond: [COUNTY-SPECIFIC LINK OR RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTING DISASTER RESPONSE WORK]. #WeAreCounties

Counties are leaders in justice and public safety, investing more than $124B annually to keep communities safe. In [COUNTY], we’re protecting residents by [INSERT INFORMATION ON COUNTY-SPECIFIC JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS]. #WeAreCounties

Local Success/Telling the story/Problem Solving

In [COUNTY], we recently [INSERT LOCAL EXAMPLE OR WIN, e.g., expanded access to health services, improved emergency response, upgraded infrastructure]. This is how we make a difference every day. #WeAreCounties

Every county is unique, and [COUNTY] adapts to meet local needs. From partnering with state and federal agencies to creating programs for residents, we solve problems that matter most to our community. #WeAreCounties

Nationwide, county governments invest more than $740B annually to help residents thrive. In [COUNTY], we’re investing in community health, public safety, local infrastructure and more. [HIGHLIGHT COUNTY-SPECIFIC PRIORITIES]. #WeAreCounties

Community Engagement

[COUNTY] is proud to serve our residents every day. Share your experiences with our programs and services and help us show the impact of county government through #WeAreCounties.

Graphics Templates

Download the logo package

Download printable We Are Counties sign

Download the poster

Civic Engagement Resources

Civic Engagement Resources

Find tools to tell the county story. Explore below or click here for NACo's full library of civic engagement resources.

orange - county government month

National County Government Month

Held each April, NCGM is an annual celebration of county government. NACo equips counties with template materials, social media graphics, and more resources to kick off the month of recognition.

naco-achievement-awards_stage

Achievement Awards

The Achievement Awards is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs. Award-winning programs are featured in NACo content and celebrated at NACo's Annual Conference.

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Counties Work Game & Curriculum

NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game and curriculum to educate students grade levels 6-12 about the important role and functions of county government. 

Tell Your County Story
Program

Presidential Spotlight: County Storytellers

Under the leadership of NACo President J.D. Clark, NACo will explore the art and science of powerful, purposeful stories.