29 - How to Leverage Agency Relations to Expand Social Media Reach and Engagement

Abstract: Social media is a powerful tool that informs and engages residents and stakeholders about our mosquito control message. Developing relationships with cities, partner agencies, and other relevant groups, and providing them with content takes time and experience that many mosquito abatement districts may not have – however doing so can pay dividends in community outreach and engagement with the public and stakeholders. Partner agencies, organizations, and respected community leaders can become an extension of a district and can reach more people that we can on our own. This presentation will provide tips from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), as well as the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) on how to reach out to partner agencies and community leaders, create social media content and calendar / schedule to share, and discuss successes and challenges faced in the attempt to expand community outreach and resident engagement for mosquito control.