Key Message Development for Environmental Association

We are looking for volunteer help developing a compelling message on why to join the Illinois Water Environment Association. There are several overlapping organizations in Illinois and we need to clearly define who we are and why to pick IWEA. Confusion over the different associations is very common. IWEA needs to stand out.

Historically, IWEA's messaging has focused the continuing education and networking we provide but it needs to be updated to include all facets of IWEA mission including supporting student and young professional outreach and helping solve the water workforce crisis. IWEA is also very committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the water sector and this could be reflected as well.

The Illinois Water Environment Association is a 45-year-old non-profit organization with approximately 900 members and a strong volunteer force. Members are water professionals, specifically wastewater and water reuse. Our focus is on networking and continuing education activities and helping attract a diverse workforce to the water sector though student programming.

Water is key to the future, and the sector is facing a real workforce shortage, from treatment plant workers to engineers and consultants. It is not a field many think of first and IWEA is working to help change this. IWEA continues to grow student programming and outreach as budget and volunteer time allow. A compelling message will help IWEA increase membership and sponsorship to support growth in programming.

To learn more about IWEA:
www.iweasite.org
About Us Video-https://www.iweasite.org/iwea_video.php

This is a foundation message that will be used to support a number of marketing initiatives. IWEA has recently completed a Marketing Stratgey Plan template and has reviewed it with two TapRoot session volunteers for completion and input. IWEA currently lacks volunteers with this expertise but do have money in the budget to fund the various marketing projects using this message as a basis/guide.

Planned activities once Message is developed:
-Review and update of sponsorship appeals.
-We are exploring buying/renting an email list to reach those outside of our current email list.
-Postcard mailing campaign to Illinois wastewater facilities.
-Basis of "Member Benefit Messaging" a series of monthly emails to members triggered by sign up and renewal.
-Brief "Member Benefits" topic added to the new member page of the tri-annual Clarifier newsletter.
-Series of quarterly ads in Illinois Rural Water to increase IWEA's visibility in the southern part of the state.
-Planned outreach to non-members in our current database to join.
-Update IWEA website.