Office of Communications wins Silver Circle Award in 3CMA Savvy Awards

The Office of Communications has earned a Silver Circle Award in the national City-County Communications & Marketing Association's (3CMA) annual Savvy Awards for its "Feet hit the floor; let's go." Stories from the Men's Mental Health Meet-up campaign in the Government Service Delivery/Community Issue.

"Emotional, powerful storytelling can truly have on people's lives, and it's been an honor to sit with this group of guys, hear them talk candidly, watch them support each other, and be part of their journey," says Chris Floore, Macon-Bibb County Chief Communications Officer.

"Sometimes, guys just want to be heard and to know that others are listening, and it's amazing to see the positive reaction to their stories, to see them being so well received," says Jeremy Grissom, Macon-Bibb Special Projects Manager. "These stories are working, they are resonating with people, and they are helping us reach more people."

Despite men being nearly four times as likely to commit suicide as women, and 1 in 5 men experiencing some kind of mental health issue, fewer than half receive any type of treatment. The Men's Mental Health Meet-up was started to provide outreach to men and give them a chance to take a break, reflect on their lives, seek advice, and realize they are not alone.

To increase participation, Floore brings men "into" the meeting without them being there by telling the story of the participants attending. He takes quotes and pictures, and then dives deep into the discussions and writing about it from a personal space.

"There is power in people's stories, and it's that power that has given us the chance to help men who may not know where to turn," adds Floore. "Through the power of these guys' stories, they are helping us open doors for other men to reach out."

"I am incredibly grateful to the Office of Communications for capturing these stories with such care and authenticity, and to the Macon Violence Prevention team for their steadfast dedication to the well-being of our community," says Dr. Gloria Cisse, Macon Mental Health Matters Clinical Director.

About the Office of Communications

The Office of Communications includes Chris Floore, Emily Wilson, Edna Adams, and Olivia Walter. Their charge is to find the best ways to let people know what the government and its partners are doing to improve the community through strategic communications, media relations, video & photography services, graphic design, a weekly e-newsletter, event planning, message development, social media, online content, crisis communications, and more.

This is one of nearly 60 individual, team, and project recognitions earned by the Office of Communications; it is fourth national award earned for work with Macon Mental Health Matters. They have been awarded by NACIO, the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC), PR Daily, PR News, PRSA Georgia, SeeClickFix, the Georgia chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America, and Engaging Local Government Leaders.

About 3CMA

The City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) is the nation's premiere network of local government communicators. The organization was founded in 1988 on the philosophy that communications and marketing are essential to helping governments engage and build stronger relationships with their residents. Effective public communicators are vital to local government success, linking residents to the essential information they need to access services and be part of the democratic process. They play a key role in cultivating a shared vision for the community.

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