02/02/2012

2012 National County Government Month theme: “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families”

NCGM award program expanded to recognize counties who celebrate best

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.

In so many ways, county government and the essential services they provide directly to millions of Americans matter much more than the latest national poll. It’s up to county officials as leaders in our communities to educate the public about the essential programs and services their county provides.  

Especially in these tough economic times, people need to know the services available to them. But counties do not have to raise public awareness alone. The best way to accomplish this task is through a carefully planned and executed celebration of National County Government Month.

Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties to actively promote county government services and programs. This year’s theme is “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families,” which ties nicely into NACo President Lenny Eliason’s “Healthy Counties” presidential initiative. Counties should link their own county government month activities to this theme by promoting local health services and wellness programs.

Counties aren’t expected to hold public awareness activities throughout the month of April, but can schedule activities any time during the month.

NCGM activities do not have to be limited to specific 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 tot eh 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 gust 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 role and responsibilities of county government.

“I encourage every county to start planning now for National County Government Month,” President 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.”

For the second consecutive year counties will be recognized nationally for outstanding NCGM celebrations through the National County Government Month Award program. 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 on the NCGM webpage.

The award program has been expanded 2012. 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.

But new for 2012 is that second place awards will also be presented. 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 online application form is available on the NCGM webpage.The deadline for application is May 25.

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 conveniently inform NACo about your county’s NCGM plans.  There you will be able to  and upload your photos, flyers, calendars, proclamations, and other county government month materials so we share this information with other counties to help them have a successful celebration.  You may also send your activities and materials directly to NACo Media Relations Manager Jim Philipps at jphilipps@naco.org.