How Colorado Nonprofits can spread the word about their offerings to the state’s rural 50+ population
If you’re a nonprofit serving older adults in Colorado, you may find it challenging to reach those who live in rural communities. When you consider that rural communities are typically older than urban areas and have fewer social supports, figuring out how to connect resources to members of rural communities that need it the most is of real importance.
In 2019, Colorado’s population was an estimated 5.7 million people, with 715,485 living in rural Colorado. Of those, 40% are 65 and older, according to the Colorado Rural Health Center (see map). The poverty rate is also higher in Colorado’s rural areas, which increases the need for the support that nonprofits can provide. Add in COVID-19, a global pandemic that has had a particularly devastating impact on older adults, and the need only becomes more pressing.
The resources listed below are available to nonprofit organizations that serve older adults, and can help you reach rural audiences either directly or through organizations that have strong ties to the communities you’re trying to reach.
5 Organizations that can connect you to rural communities
AARP COLORADO'S NEWSLETTER
With over 600,000 members, AARP Colorado is a great way to reach older adults. A general member newsletter is sent once a month, alternating between an English and Spanish language version. The deadline for submission is mid-month, and you are encouraged to submit content to the Spanish version as well. There is a general member newsletter that alternates every other month with a Spanish language version. If you want something to go in the general newsletter, please send your information by mid-month. If you are trying to reach Spanish speaking populations, consider submitting content for the Spanish version as well.
Published: Bi-monthly, alternating between an English and Spanish-language version
Instructions: Submit 250-500 word articles, including your organization’s logo and, if available, a photo that you have rights to and can give AARP permission to use.
Deadline: Mid-month
Website: states.aarp.org/colorado
Contact: Angela Cortez
Email: acortez@aarp.org
COLORADO NEWS CONNECTION - PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE RADIO
According to Neilson, 94 percent of Americans listen to the radio. Rural populations are particularly reliant on the radio for weather reports and other important information, so reaching out to them over the airwaves can be a successful approach. If there’s money in your budget, getting a membership is a smart move. Membership packages can include up to eight stories a year told in both English and Spanish, depending on the level you choose.
Published: Daily
Website: publicnewsservice.org
Contact: Josh Wise
Email: jwise@publicnewsservice.org
COLORADO COUNTIES, INC.'s NEWSLETTER, eCOUNTY LINES
A key component of any county commissioner’s job is to stay in close touch with their constituents. Getting the word out to these well-connected folks about what your organization has to offer to older adults can be an easy way to find those needing help. The CCI newsletter is designed to keep Colorado’s county commissioners informed and goes out every Thursday with a Wednesday submission deadline.
Published: Weekly on Thursdays
Deadline: Wednesdays
Website: ccionline.org
Contact: Annie Olson
Email: aolson@ccionline.org
COLORADO NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION
Joining Colorado Nonprofits will tap you into its network of 1,300 members across the state and can help you reach your target market. The organization puts out a number of publications for its members, including a bi-weekly newsletter and a magazine called, Nonprofit Colorado that goes out three times a year. Visit their website or send them an email to inquire about joining and/or submitting content for publication.
Website: coloradononprofits.org
Email: info@ColoradoNonprofits.org
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES NEWSLETTER FOR NORTHEAST COLORADO
Run by Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension, this bi-monthly newsletter serves communities in Northeastern Colorado. Covering topics including food, health and safety, the information included in this newsletter is relevant to both rural communities and older adults, and reaches an often overlooked part of our state.
Published: Bi-monthly
Website: goldenplains.extension.colostate.edu
Contact: Joy Akey
Email: joy.akey@colostate.edu