Rural Veteran Outreach Strategies
The landscape of the modern veteran community is vast and diverse, encompassing a significant demographic of individuals residing in rural areas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, rural residents are more likely than urban or suburban residents to serve in the U.S. military, with many choosing to return to rural communities post-military service. Recognizing the unique characteristics of the rural-residing veterans and their families is a critical component of developing outreach strategies that will resonate with this patriotic community.
Rural veterans represent a diverse and multi-generational segment within the broader veteran community, with distinct experiences and needs shaped by factors such as geographical isolation, limited access to resources, and unique community networks. Thanks to the surge in rural broadband access, many rural veterans and their families are more connected to urban and suburban-based networks and organizations than ever before - providing veteran-focused government agencies and nonprofit organizations with an opportunity to build long-term connections.
3 Tips for Developing Effective Rural Veteran Outreach
Identify Veteran-Focused Local Partnerships in Rural Areas
Success in rural outreach requires public sector organizations to form partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and grassroots initiatives. This strategy fosters trust and ensures that outreach efforts are tailored to the specific needs of the veteran community. Before developing any communications or marketing assets, organizations should research existing veteran-focused organizations within the rural region they are interested in supporting. Take the time to reach out to these organizations' points of contact, engage in discussion about the current needs of the population, and look for ways to collaborate with these trusted partners.
Read more: How to Reach Rural America’s Diverse Communities
Prioritize Virtual Engagement Opportunities
Ural residents are increasingly active online, with their social media usage rates mirroring those of urban and suburban residents. Given the barriers of geographical distance, rural veterans and their families may even be more likely to engage in virtual events than in-person ones. Consider how webinars, virtual town halls, and online support groups can be integrated into your organization's outreach plan as effective means of connecting with the rural veteran community. Additionally, utilize social media platforms to foster long-term relationships, increase awareness, and spark rural community engagement, by reaching rural residents where they are active online.
Read more: Military Social Media Trends
Incorporate Rural-Informed Communications Practices
To be effective, rural veteran outreach initiatives must embrace and incorporate communication practices that respect and acknowledge the diverse nature of their intended audience. The rural veteran community is a mosaic, marked by considerable diversity across numerous variables, such as age, education level, gender, disability, family structure, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, and socio-economic status. It is crucial that communication strategies, encompassing both copy and visuals, authentically mirror the multifaceted realities of this diverse population. It’s important to note that a shared bond exists through the experiences of service to country and the unique challenges presented by rural life. In weaving a narrative that resonates with this rich tapestry of backgrounds, outreach initiatives can effectively bridge the gap, fostering connection and understanding across the diverse spectrum of the rural veteran community.
For more information. Download our free White Paper, “Military and Veteran Support: An Insightful Approach to Outreach.”
Reaching Rural Veterans and Their Families
Effectively bridging the gap for rural veterans requires a rural-informed outreach approach that is reflective of the modern veteran community and the rural experience. By forging local partnerships, embracing virtual platforms and social media, and incorporating rural-informed communications practices, nonprofits and government agencies can enhance their outreach initiatives. Outreach efforts can be comprehensive and inclusive. This integrated, people-focused, technology-empowered approach can help connect rural veteran communities with supportive resources and programs that succeed in enhancing quality of life.
Next Steps - Rural Veteran Outreach:
For organizations seeking assistance in effectively reaching and engaging rural veterans, Becker Digital is available to provide consulting, marketing, and outreach support customized to the mission and needs of government and nonprofit organizations.
As a veteran-owned consulting firm, our team understands the unique challenges and opportunities in modern military and veteran outreach. Our demonstrated expertise in developing personalized marketing strategies, leveraging digital platforms, and fostering community engagement can position mission-driven organizations to maximize the impact of their outreach efforts and ensure meaningful connections with veterans and their families.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how digital marketing can enhance your organization’s mission.
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