2023_0124_PWETCPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

10+1 for Effective Community Tips' Engagement 1. Build relationships. The best time to build relationships is twenty years ago. The second best time is today. (Coincidentally, the same is true of planting trees - see BP 16.) Build relationships with and among diverse segments of your community. Relationships are the ties that hold communities together as they grapple with challenging issues. 2. Build trust. Healthy relationships are based on trust. Be a local government that has proven that It can be trusted to be transparent, and to listen and respond effectively to the needs and priorities of residents. (Want to learn more about building trust? Check out Delo!tte Insights Building Trust In Government.) 3. Reduce barriers to engagement. Use a range of different engagement approaches- -!n person, phone, online. Schedule meetings In locations and at times that make It easy for diverse segments of the community to attend. Consider providing childcare. Not sure what the barriers are In your community? Ask! 4. Structure the process carefully. How you do engagement matters. Sometimes, a big public meeting is not the most effective way to get constructive engagement. Small group processes, one-on-one conversations, or other strategies may be more useful. 5. Listen. Try to understand community members' underlying values. For example, values might include independence, resilience, or community solidarity. Speaking to values increases decision legitimacy and spurs win -win solutions to multiple challenges. 6. Value lived experience. This is important In many contexts, but perhaps most importantly when It comes to past and present injustices. Pretending injustice doesn't exist won't make It go away. 7. Think forward. Lead with questions that invite community members to envision what they would like to see more of In the future. This often helps community members focus on areas of shared value. 8. Know when you need help. If a topic is particularly contentious, consider bringing In an outside individual or team who can facilitate the process In an impartial way. 9. Share data ... and share stories. Data show areas of progress and concern. Stories show why they matter. The best stories help people envision how they, too, can be part of a more inclusive and sustainable community. 10. Make engagement matter. To capture the benefits of engagement, you have to connect It with decision making. The most important way to build trust, increase legitimacy of decisions, and show that you value people's time and input is to build what you learn from the engagement into your policies and programs ... and then share results! Bonus: Every community is unique. Adapt and innovate! 7