Communication: It Makes the Break Trip World Go Round

Communication can be tricky. It is very possible for location, busy schedules or simply not being able to get our point across (see below:) to interfere with effective interactions.

There are plenty of ways that communication can go wrong, but here are a few ways to make sure it goes right! Successful communication with community partners and each other is the golden ticket to success. If Charlie could do it, so can we!

Community Partners

Contacting Sites

Get out your binder from April Training Day and dust off those cobwebs. Don't forget about these excellent resources, such as the Contacting Sites section. A few particularly helpful sections include...

• Common questions to ask service organizations
• A sample phone script
• Specifics about how to keep an effective phone log
• Random tidbits to help you succeed!

You'll notice the original Contacting Sites document is attached to the email that contained this blog link for your reference.

Each Other

Use your Google Drive

The Alt Break accounts you share with your co-trip leader aka partner in crime seem pretty standard...but don't overlook their greatness! The Google Drive you can both access is an incredible way to make sure you and your fellow trip leader are on the same page. Keep a running call/progress log going so at any time you know what the other is up to...it's like being psychic...how neato is that?

Touch Base

Talk to your fellow trip leader. Call each other up to decide if a service site fits with your theme, drop each other a text with news on a site confirmation, meet up at Starbucks to work on your trip outline, send a carrier pigeon, smoke signal....really anything...just make sure you are touching base.

Don't be this guy. He is definitely NOT touching base...

Roger? 10-4? Copy.

Sending an email to inquire about a service site? Copy your fellow trip leader. Sending an email to MaryAnn or Kate with a question that the answer will benefit both of you? Copy your fellow trip leader. Sending an email to basically anyone regarding your trip? Can't hurt to Cc: your buddy. It is easier to read an email quick than be out of the loop on the planning process. 

Over and out.


-MPG-