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Carmel committee seeks broader outreach: newsletter, social media, events and scavenger hunts to boost climate engagement
Summary
Committee members reviewed the climate newsletter, quiz engagement numbers and outreach tactics on July 22, and discussed expanding distribution to social media, local publications, Rain On Main and the farmers market to raise resident participation.
The Climate Action Advisory Committee on July 22 reviewed communications work by a summer climate fellow and discussed ways to increase resident engagement with the city’s climate newsletter and supporting content.
A staff member reported the communications subcommittee met June 26 with Samuel, the City of Carmel climate fellow, who is preparing newsletter posts and website content. "He's been working on developing current posts as well as future posts for the city newsletter," the staff member said.
Committee members cited quiz engagement as a barometer of interest: the tree‑mulching quiz received 53 responses, a native‑plants quiz had 27 responses, and a recent irrigation quiz had 37 responses. Members said the sustainability content currently appears late in the city newsletter and recommended wider dissemination through social media and partner publications.
Marketing and Community Relations will post newsletter content to city social channels when requested, the staff member said; the group also discussed pitching articles to local outlets including Current, Good Day Carmel and neighborhood Stroll magazines. One committee member reported they were in contact with Current’s staff and expected donated space could be available.
Members proposed event‑based outreach: using Rain On Main and the farmers market for flyers, QR codes and a newsletter‑linked scavenger hunt for residents, and stationing volunteers at market booths on select Saturdays. The committee discussed tradeoffs; one member noted rain barrels used at Rain On Main raise funds for Carmel Utilities and might not be feasible as a prize without purchasing them through the auction.
The committee also reviewed formats and distribution needs for partner publications, and asked for newsletter graphics and content in formats usable by local groups and schools. A committee member suggested student involvement through school publications and the Highlight newspaper.
The climate fellow will continue creating content through the summer and will support posting items and links on the climate dashboard, staff said. The fellow is expected to continue through August.
Why it matters: staff and volunteers said broader, multi‑channel outreach and event presence would increase the small but measurable engagement on climate topics and allow the city to amplify behavior changes (composting, irrigation tips, native plants) that support emissions reductions.
