At its core, community engagement involves actively involving community members in decision-making processes, problem-solving, and activities that affect their lives. Effective engagement entails listening to diverse perspectives, building trust, fostering collaboration, and empowering residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community. This page shares some ways community engagement can look and where they appear in different professional fields and community centers.
Here are some common ways community engagement can look like:
Education and Workshops: Hosting workshops, seminars, or training sessions on topics of interest to the community, such as health and wellness, financial literacy, or sustainable living practices.
Collaborative Projects: Partnering with community organizations, businesses, or local government agencies to initiate and implement projects that address community needs or enhance quality of life.
Meetings and Forums: Organizing town hall meetings, community forums, or focus groups where residents can voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas on various issues.
Surveys and Feedback: Conducting surveys, online polls, or feedback forms to gather input from community members on specific topics or projects.
Volunteerism: Encouraging community members to volunteer their time and skills for community improvement projects, such as clean-up events, neighborhood beautification efforts, or mentoring programs.
Cultural and Recreational Events: Organizing events, festivals, or cultural celebrations that bring community members together to celebrate diversity, promote social cohesion, and foster a sense of belonging.
Online Engagement: Utilizing social media, community websites, or digital platforms to facilitate discussions, share information, and gather feedback from a wider audience.
Civic Participation: Encouraging residents to participate in local governance processes, such as attending city council meetings, serving on advisory boards or committees, or participating in community planning initiatives.
Youth Engagement: Creating opportunities for young people to get involved in community decision-making, leadership development programs, or youth-led initiatives that address issues relevant to their age group.
Participatory Budgeting: Allowing community members to directly participate in allocating a portion of the local budget to projects and programs that they prioritize.
Community engagement appears in many fields outside of nonprofits and higher education. The following resources are articles and examples of how and where community engagement is practiced in other community-centered fields.
Academic & Public Libraries
Hospitals
Fundraising
Grants & Grant Writing