In fulfilling its missions, a Committee of Correspondence has three audiences to communicate with:
- The General Public: to which they issue proclamations.
- Other Committees: with whom they share proclamations and other information for the purpose of coordination.
- Itself: in other words, members of the same Committee must effectively communicate with each other.
The method of communication to the three audiences should be different:
- The General Public: Originally, Committees published proclamations in pamphlets and newspaper broadsides. They function like press releases in our modern times. Committees must make their proclamations where the public is even if it’s on social media platforms that are unfriendly to free speech. Committees are also encouraged to use local media, webites, public meetings, even flyers, newspaper ads, etc. If de-platformed, people can even go door to door with flyers. A good Committee will get to know business and community leaders in their area. And smart business leaders will get to know their Committee representatives, because it’s only them who are going to help them during future lockdowns and economic turmoil.
- Other Committees: originally, they wrote letters to each other delivered by riders on horseback like Paul Revere. Modern conveniences allow for email, text/chats, phone, or video conferencing.
- Itself: Each committee should be encouraged to hold formal meetings in person with their fellow Committee Members, in private, once a week. Originally, this could even be done in taverns over beer. It could be a coffee house, someone’s home, a pool house, community room, or an office space. Meetings in person will result in stronger bonds and will develop those skills needed to formulate an idea and reason with others. If they must due to busy schedules, video-conference is acceptable. Committee business cannot be conducted by text or email, due to the formal requirements governing quorums, motions, debating, and voting.