The trusted messenger model

People who live in and serve a neighborhood know the best way to reach that community. That’s why the Philly Counts outreach model focuses on person-to-person engagement, also known as a trusted messenger model.

Our origins

The Philly Counts office was originally created to support the 2020 Census. Through working closely with community members and partners, the program:

• Increased understanding of the importance of the census.
• Educated the public on how to participate.
• Ensured responses from the public for a fair and accurate count.
• Supported filling census jobs.

Our continued work

These close connections have continued well past the census deadline. As new needs have emerged, Philly Counts has pivoted to address them. Since our creation, we’ve conducted critical outreach for the COVID-19 response, mutual aid initiatives, and the 2020 general election.

We’ve kept developing our community relationships along the way. Since over 95% of adults in Philadelphia have had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, we’re starting to look for our next initiative.

Learn more