The community engagement process involves bringing together members of a given community and other stakeholders for an interaction aimed at increasing collaboration. The success of a community engagement process depends on several factors, including the level of participation and depth of engagement between the two parties. Here are some crucial tips on how to facilitate the success of such an undertaking while boosting involvement and participation.
Make it easy and simple: Any community engagement process should be tailor-made to a particular community. To win the hearts and participation of more people from the community, it is essential to consider making the entire process simple and straightforward. From the kind of language used during the engagement process to the entire due process involved, it is important to make it easier for members to follow through the proceedings with minimal barriers.
Encouraging diversity: The community engagement process is not necessarily targeted at bringing everyone to support your point of view. It should be aimed at allowing everyone to express themselves accordingly. One of the best ways of boosting community engagement is by encouraging and accommodating the diversity of thoughts and ideas. It increases the chances of gaining some positive criticisms, which is important in helping ensure that the ultimate objective is achieved. Every dissenting idea should be accommodated and criticized constructively without imputing improper motives. This increases the chances of winning the hearts of even the harshest of the opponents.
Providing leadership: A well-organized community engagement process should be guided by strong leadership. Providing excellent leadership, such as spearheading the proceedings and meetings, increases the incentives of the community to follow and comply where necessary. Leadership is crucial as it gives the community an impression of strategic direction.
Increasing community interaction: The entire goal of the community engagement processes is to bring together different members of a community and other stakeholders involved. The interaction sessions should be optimized to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to voice their concerns and raise their points. To increase your chances of making the process a success, it is essential to consider leveraging the various digital solutions available today. Using social media platforms and web forums to collect the views of different people as well as giving them an opportunity to debate online can be a welcome idea.