outreach
OWT-reech
/ˈaʊtriːtʃ/
The activity of providing services to any populations who might not otherwise have access to those services.
It implies 'going out' to the people rather than waiting for them to come to a clinic or office.
The story behind the word. A straightforward English compound. It describes the physical act of reaching 'out' beyond your normal boundaries. It became a standard term in social work in the mid-20th century.
Word relationships
- engagement: Engagement is the interaction; outreach is the act of initiating that interaction by going to the people.
- isolationism: Staying within one's own borders or limits and not reaching out.
Commonly confused with
- advertising: Advertising is trying to sell something; outreach is trying to provide a service or help.
Word family
- reach (verb): stretch out an arm in order to touch or grasp something.
Collocations
- community outreach
- outreach program
- outreach worker
- educational outreach
Example sentences
- "The hospital's outreach program provides free vaccinations at local community centers." Community health
- "Street outreach teams work late at night to provide blankets and medical checks to the homeless." Homeless services
Memory hook
Reach-Out: You are reaching out your hand to help someone far away. Reaching out beyond the clinic walls.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple marketing; outreach usually implies a social or helpful mission.
Fun facts
- Many universities have 'outreach' departments specifically to encourage students from low-income backgrounds to apply.
Related words
Explore more words
inclusion, disseminate, networking, inclusivity, advocacy, engagement
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