HOW TO CREATE AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN IN SEVEN STEPS

Community Engagement refers to the connections between citizens, communities, government and social service agencies on a range of policy, program, resources and services issues. It encompasses a wide variety of government/agency/community interactions ranging from information sharing to community consultation and, in some instances, active participation in decision-making processes.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress, working together is success"

One of the most essential tools for communities seeking to improve their quality of life is a ?Community Engagement Plan.???Having a comprehensive engagement plan can help ensure community buy-in, maximize impact, and lead to more successful outcomes. ??As a Community Engagement Specialist for over 30 years I instructed hundreds of community leaders and government workers the key steps for developing an effective Community Engagement Plan:

?Step 1 - Clearly define the project.

- Project Name: [insert name]

- Brief description: [1-2 sentence summary of project]

- Assessment of why the project is needed - ??What is the specific problem or need the project will address? This can be drawn from surveys, studies, demographics, expert reports, academic research, and stakeholder interviews/focus groups.

?Step 2. Establish the project's objectives and scope

What are the Long term goals and objectives.?Be sure to include benchmarks and metrics as measurement of your progress toward your goals.??Who is the target audience and what is the number of people to be impacted.?What is the anticipated impact on quality of life for the community.

Provide concrete examples (e.g., number of foster parents to recruit, geographic areas being targeted, how a new health center will help)

Step 3. Identify key stakeholders for engagement - List specific groups, organizations, and individuals who will be impacted by the project.?Consider both high-level stakeholders and grassroots community members. ?High level officials can help change policy and grassroots are the soldiers needed to implement a community strategy.

Step 4. Select appropriate tools for community engagement – Some of the essential tools for community engagement are:?

- Information sharing - Town halls, resource fairs, community rallies

- Consultation - Surveys, social media, focus groups, workshops

Explain why these tools make sense for reaching and engaging your stakeholders. Consider things like access, culture, language, technology, and preferred communication channels.

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?Step 5. Develop a detailed action plan - Map out methods, timeline, and process for engagement activities.

Set goals and metrics for participation.

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?Step 6. Collect feedback and assess impact - Track participation rates and feedback received. ?Analyze data to help gauge effectiveness of engagement plan and make modifications as needed.

Step 7. Report back to community - Communicate results and updates from engagement activities.?Make the community a “close collaborator.”?Close feedback loop by demonstrating how input was used. ??Continue engaging around next steps.

The most effective Community Engagement Plans are tailored to the specific project and community context. Taking time to follow these steps will help ensure your plan sets your project up for success.

Be sure to look out for my next book , "Urban Networking - the essential guide for the Urban Professional. In addition, I offer a workshop entitled, "Ground Rules - the essentials of Community Engagement - available for community groups.?Reach to [email protected] .??Check out our website at www.communitypartnersinchange.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:?Michael Rice is an award-winning social innovator, public and community engagement specialist, and author of the transformational guide, Be Magnificent! Exceed Your Expectations.?He is publisher and editor of "The ConnectorLive", a weekly internet video blog on the New Urban Network on You Tube.??He touches thousands of individuals and organizations with his insights, commentary and suggestions for achievement and positive outcomes. He is the founder of Community Partners In Change, www.communitypartnersinchange.org , an organization dedicated to providing capacity building workshops and strategic planning to local communities.?He is also a trainer, community strategist and motivational speaker. He is available for speaking engagements both large and intimate including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, conferences and workshops. Contact:?[email protected] ?or call 267-303-0653.

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