Aligning your purpose and goals
For partnerships with government to work well, your project needs to align with their goals and priorities.
This section helps you understand how your work fits within national and local strategies – and how to make the case clearly when approaching government officials or elected representatives.
Checklist for partnerships with government officials
National waste strategy
☐ Is there a national waste strategy in place?
☐ How does your project support or align with this strategy?
Regional or local waste strategy
☐ Is there a regional or municipal waste strategy?
☐ How does your project help deliver on its goals?
Alignment with broader policies
☐ Does your project support wider municipal priorities, such as job creation, public health, or local enterprise?
Opportunities for municipal support
☐ Could the municipality support your work? For example:
– Loan or sell equipment at a reduced rate
– Offer a suitable site with low rent
– Provide business development advice or assistance
– Help secure small business loans or grants
– Encourage local businesses or residents to separate waste for your project
Engaging with elected representatives
Elected representatives are chosen to serve their communities. While they may not be experts in waste management, many are passionate about areas like health, education, and employment. Gaining their support can help raise the profile of your work and unlock new opportunities.
To engage them effectively, show how your project supports their priorities. For example:
Health
If they’re concerned about children’s health, highlight how improved waste management can reduce pollution and illness.
Enterprise
If they back small businesses, share your business plan to show how your recycling work supports jobs, skills, and local incomes.
You can also:
– Invite them to visit your site or facility
– Ask them to speak at an event
– Share compelling stories or data that show how your work benefits their constituents
Checklist for engaging with elected representatives
☐ What are their key priorities or interests?
☐ How does your project support those areas?
☐ What specific benefits can you highlight to address their concerns?
☐ How can you make it easy for them to show their support or get involved?
