Presentation Abstract
Skagit County has been working hard to get to the bottom of local water quality problems. After 8 years, we faced a problem: our messaging had gotten stale and our progress was...a little backed up. Using the theory of social marketing, the county worked with a consultant to develop a campaign with a sense of humor that leaves out the lectures and respects our residents’ limited time and money. The PoopSmart campaign channels everyone’s inner five year old, using poop jokes to encourage everyone to do their dooty to manage livestock, pet, and human waste better. The results? A measurable increase in voluntary septic system inspections, increased voluntary cooperation with the Conservation District, and regional media spreading the word (not the turd) about this important topic. Best of all? The campaign and all its materials are available for free to any organization that wants to pick it up!
Session Title
Getting more bang for your outreach buck: Ideas for communication strategies that build trust, personalize government, and get results
Conference Track
Communication & Outreach
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2020 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
2020_abstractID_1054
Start Date
21-4-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
22-4-2020 4:45 PM
Genre/Form
presentations (communicative events)
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Water quality--Washington (State)--Skagit County; Feces--Microbiology--Washington (State)--Skagit County; Green marketing--Washington (State)--Skagit County
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Skagit County (Wash.)
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/PDF
Included in
Fresh Water Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Never underestimate a well-placed poop joke: Getting to the bottom of water quality problems with a fresh take on outreach
Skagit County has been working hard to get to the bottom of local water quality problems. After 8 years, we faced a problem: our messaging had gotten stale and our progress was...a little backed up. Using the theory of social marketing, the county worked with a consultant to develop a campaign with a sense of humor that leaves out the lectures and respects our residents’ limited time and money. The PoopSmart campaign channels everyone’s inner five year old, using poop jokes to encourage everyone to do their dooty to manage livestock, pet, and human waste better. The results? A measurable increase in voluntary septic system inspections, increased voluntary cooperation with the Conservation District, and regional media spreading the word (not the turd) about this important topic. Best of all? The campaign and all its materials are available for free to any organization that wants to pick it up!
