Mobilize your network!  

Please help spread the word about how citizens can support our local economy. Choose from options below to share messages with people in your networks.

1. Create a social media post – Getting curbside? Ordering in? Use Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to snap a pic of your dinner or check into their establishment to create awareness. Customize the messages below to share information with your friends and family.
2. Create a Facebook Live post – When you stop in to pick up your curbside order or shop at a local, small business,  start a Facebook Live recording and tell your friends and family.
3. Send an email – Use the message below to create awareness with those in your network

Facebook

It was my turn to cook tonight, so we grabbed curbside from <name of restaurant>. #eatLocal

I shopped local today. I support our small business owners and hope you will, too! #shopLocal

Did you get your flu vaccine? I got mine! Roll your Sleeve Up for your annual flu vaccine. Find place to get a flu vaccine near you: https://www.vaccinefinder.org. 

Take the Pledge! Vow to keep our communities strong! #maskupNormal www.normal.org/takethepledge. 

I wear a mask to protect others. When you wear a mask, you take care of yourself and your neighbors.

Help protect vulnerable populations by wearing a mask. 

Other things you can do on Facebook:

1. Check in at your local business / restaurant when you visit – encourage others to #eatLocal #shopLocal
2. Snap a pic of the top of your receipt (you don’t have to show the total!) to inspire others to carryout and shop local
3. Create a Facebook Live video of your next shopping experience! You’ll be surprised by how many people join! Ask the store manager/owner to send a message of thanks to your friends and family. 

 Instagram

I support local businesses like <insert names>. They need our help during the pandemic. #shopLocal #carryout #curbside #spendLocal #enjoyLocal #maskupNormal

Wearing a mask shows kindness.

Help keep our economy strong.

#shopLocal: buy from a local retailer

#eatLocal: help our local restaurants … all you have to do is #orderdelivery or pickup #curbside

#enjoyLocal: small businesses are critical to our local economy

Don’t take local commerce for granted. #spendLocal #eatLocal #ShopLocal #enjoyLocal

The shops on the corner make a big impact in our communities. Join me in supporting them! #spendLocal #eatLocal #ShopLocal #enjoyLocal

 Twitter

Tag the business and/or restaurant when you post these:

It’s important to #shopLocal and keep our communities strong. 

Grab #carryout. Order #delivery. Get #curbside or #eatLocal Your dollars make a difference to local restaurants.

I #spendLocal because I appreciate our small business owners.

Getting a #fluvaccine is more important than ever.

Help prevent the spread of #flu #COVID19 by wearing a mask #maskupNormal

When you wear a mask, you protect others. When others wear a mask, they protect you.

Email Message

Hi, friends,

I’m reaching out to ask you to help me support our local community businesses and restaurants. I am asking you to help remind others of the importance of supporting local. As a proud resident of Bloomington-Normal, I want our communities to continue to thrive long after COVID-19 is a memory. To do that, we must support local restaurants and businesses. 

Please consider these actions:

1. Encourage your friends and followers on social media to roll up their sleeves for an annual flu vaccine.
2. Post a message on social media when you visit a local business or restaurant.
3. Shop local – and tell others when you do.
4. Get curbside or delivery – Order for delivery, grab carryout and enjoy curbside pickup to support our local business owners. 

Visit www.normal.org/maskupNormal for messages you can use to create awareness about all of the above! 

These are just a few things we can do to support our communities. Thank you for doing your part to keep our communities strong!