Thank you for writing to us at the Community Tool Box. We applaud your interest and desire to get more involved in increasing awareness, promoting resources, and creating policy change. We think you’ll find no shortage of things to do!
We are not able to suggest specific contact people in the particular area where you live. But speaking generally, in your place we would take an inventory of what is currently being done in your area, and then reach out to the people who are doing it. You’d want to dialogue with them by whatever means seems most feasible – in-person if you can do it, or by e-mail or phone.
You’d describe your situation, background, and interests, and ask for their suggestions for your next steps. You could offer some volunteer time if you are able to do so, or explore paid opportunities if you are looking for those. Through these dialogues, you can better learn from those who are closest to the scene and actually doing the work.
We are confident that many of those you talk to will be glad to know about you, since it’s clear from your question that you have much to give in this area.
One more note, just FYI, is that the Community Tool Box has just developed a new online curriculum in community building that might be of interest to you. You could check it out at https://training.ctb.ku.edu.
We hope some of these thoughts might be useful to you. Thanks again for writing, and all best wishes as your investigation proceeds.
