DR-4235-CNMI EA Communications Plan

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

DR-4235-CNMI

August 12, 2015

Communication Branding

FEMA assistance remains undiminished until the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) recovery is finished.

Overarching Communication Goals

Provide CNMI the External Affairs Support they need to recover as quickly as possible from damages sustained during the typhoon that occurred from August 1-3, 2015. President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for CNMI for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation on August 5, 2015.

Keep all stakeholders aware of federal coordination elements in support of ongoing recovery efforts. The stakeholders are:

– federal and territorial officials;– congressional delegations and their staffs;– print, radio electronic and social media outlets, – private sector entities,– residents of CNMI, and – the American public in general.

Present FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs in the best possible light, while maintaining strictest standards of honesty and fairness.

Communication Objectives

Keep CNMI informed about options available to assist them in their recovery. This includes wide dissemination of information, including:

Registration Information Mass Care (sheltering, feeding, warming, etc.) DRC operations Sheltering/housing options Returning Home Guidance How to detect, avoid and combat fraud IHP program and other deadlines Long-term recovery efforts Disaster crisis counseling if approved Disaster Unemployment Insurance if approved Applicant Briefings/Kick off Meetings SBA (if approved/declared)

DR-4235-CNMI EA Communications Plan

Co-branding and/or dissemination of other federal agencies’ messaging – SBA, Red Cross, US Navy, US Marine Corps, USACE, etc.

Publication of legal notice to implement PA & HMG programs in local newspapers How to do contract services and do business with the federal government Other information, as needed

Ensure that all congressional offices, state legislators, and the territorial government are aware of and understand critical recovery and other programs. This includes information regarding:

Make use of all messaging tools and partnerships – this includes written products, radio spots, TV interviews and social media tools.

Develop and/or maintain a positive working relationship with both national and local media. Acknowledge the media’s duty and capacity to provide the public with useful information, especially in difficult times, intersects effectively with ours. As we provide them with timely, relevant and accurate information, as well as feedback, we partner with media outlets (reporters, editors, anchor people, etc.) to achieve fair, honest and thorough reporting and commentary, especially when it comes to key recovery messages important to community rebuilding and recovery.

Seek opportunities to align digital media messaging across federal agencies, territorial and voluntary and faith-based groups and the private sector.

Ensure chain of command for both CNMI and the federal government are fully aware of key efforts of EA and successful efforts are shared.

Tell the story of what is happening on the ground. Use various means, including blogs, and story pitches to media to tell the story of CNMI’s recovery story.

Strategy

Emphasize the role and scope of federal support in assisting in CNMI’s recovery.

Use all channels of communication including print, broadcast media, digital media, private sector, federal partners, and stakeholder groups to ensure the Territory of CNMI officials and Certain Non-Profits are aware of the federal programs and services that may be available to them.

Contact impacted congressional delegation – elected officials and their staffs – to ensure the exchange of contact information and understanding of FEMA programs. This includes in-person visits to congressional offices, constant awareness for upcoming issues, and sharing with other EA elements of current and potential issues gleaned from congressional inquiries and conversations.

Top-line Messaging

The administration, coordinated through FEMA, is committed to bringing all of the resources of the federal family to bear to support CNMI recover from the typhoon.

DR-4235-CNMI EA Communications Plan

Work to manage expectations of all stakeholders. Recovery is a complex, and often a deliberate process.

Potential issues that may present challenges going forward

Difficulty of registering for IA without mailing/street addresses

Phone and internet connectivity issues for registration

Confusion and messaging over IA eligibility for Alien Residents

Confusion over role of DRCs and services provided

Lingering confusion over registration and inspection process for Individual Assistance

IA denial letter messaging

Delays in implementing PA program.

The pace of recovery.

Unforeseen matching costs of the PA program.

Public, media and even elected officials misunderstanding about FEMA’s actual role in recovery

Key Participants

FEMA leadership/external affairs – national, regional, JFO

Territorial officials, including emergency management communicators

Other federal partner leadership and communicators

Non-governmental and faith-based leadership

Tactics and Communication Channels

Teleconference and in person-meetings, ride-along with congressional members, district offices

Teleconferences with territorial officials

Digital Media (e.g. Facebook, twitter, YouTube, blogs)

Pro-active outreach meetings with key territorial staff

Print and radio interviews

Products

Week ahead plans

Talking Points

Press Releases

Advisories

Fact Sheets

DR-4235-CNMI EA Communications Plan

Media monitoring/analysis reports

Private Sector E-News Update electronic newsletter

Private Sector Situation Updates

Key Audiences

CNMI residents

Guam residents and media market

Congressional members and staff

Non-governmental organizations, voluntary organizations active in disasters

Faith-based organizations

Certain Non-Profits

Private sector partners including large employers, chambers of commerce and trade associations

Other federal agencies

Communication Challenges

Expectations that federal assistance will cover everything

Territorial customs

Cultural sensitivity

Limited English Proficiency

Metrics

Successful responses to CNMI government officials and congressional representative

Decreasing number of inquiries from congressional offices

Decreasing number of inquiries from CNMI officials

Fair, objective, well-informed media coverage

Widespread distribution of effective products, disseminated information

Requests for comment from reporters working negative stories and seeking balance

Positive feedback from congressional and territorial officials