Build Trust With Community-Focused Comms: A How-To Guide for Organizations & Local Governments

Last updated on: February 17, 2026

1 in 5 people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home. When information doesn't reach everyone, trust breaks down—especially during crises or times of rapid change.

Language access and inclusive communications help everyone access housing, healthcare, jobs, government services, and emergency information. When done well, they build stronger, safer, more connected communities.

As local governments and organizations serve growing numbers of multilingual and multicultural audiences, including newcomers, many are using communication strategies that promote trust, engagement, and access.

This toolkit is for you if:

  • You work in government outreach or nonprofit communications
  • Your flyers, emails, and social posts aren't yet reaching your whole community
  • You’re the only communications person and need to build language access from scratch
  • You’re navigating tight budgets and need practical, not theoretical, guidance

Explore this toolkit to learn how to:

  • Make the case for inclusive communication to leadership
  • Understand your audiences—including what languages your community speaks and where people get their news
  • Work with translators who know your community
  • Write in plain language and create accessible content
  • Use ethnic media and trusted community leaders to spread the word
  • Build this infrastructure with limited resources

Brief 1: Make the Case for Inclusive Communication

Learn why inclusive communication matters, with data on growing language diversity and an overview of key language access laws. See how Louisville, KY engaged community members to build support for citywide language access funding.

Brief 2: Understand Your Audience

Find data on local residents’ language preferences and countries of origin—and go beyond the numbers by connecting directly with your community. Learn how Philadelphia, PA promoted Census participation to better understand newcomer populations and strengthen outreach.

Brief 3: Create Inclusive Content

Build messages in the right languages and formats for the people you're trying to reach. Discover how Montgomery County, MD partnered with local residents to create multilingual content that resonated with Asian American youths around mental health.

Brief 4: Find the Right Channels

From social media to news outlets to in-person networks, choose the best channels to reach the right audiences in your community. Read how Lancaster, PA used culturally savvy practices to help people stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brief 5: Build Capacity

Strengthen your ability to deliver successful outreach—even when time, budgets, and staff are limited. Learn how Champaign, IL, leverages local partnerships to boost capacity and support lasting impact.

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