This blog is based on Episode 17 of our GovEd Talks Video series: The Heart of Community Engagement by Erica A. Stewart, Mayor at City of San Luis Obispo and Barry Reaves, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Justice (DEI/J) & Workforce Development.
Community engagement is a vital aspect of fostering a healthy and vibrant society, but it comes with its unique challenges, especially in diverse urban landscapes. In this discussion, we explore key considerations for effective community engagement in both small communities and larger cities. Our insights aim to provide valuable perspectives and strategies that can benefit communities of all sizes.
Understanding the Importance of Connection: Connecting with people lies at the core of successful community engagement. Recognizing individual needs, such as language barriers or specific topics of interest, is crucial. In communities of color, a historical challenge of trust often prevails, rooted in past urban development policies like redlining. Establishing trust becomes a paramount factor in effective engagement.
Purposeful Engagement: Before venturing into community engagement, it's essential to clarify the purpose behind it. Is the goal to inform, engage, connect, or build trust? Understanding the objective ensures a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach. Trust is compared to currency—precious and easily lost. Positive deposits in the form of transparent and purposeful engagement are crucial.
Breaking Down Access Barriers: Transparency and accessibility are key elements in successful community engagement. In the era of COVID-19, virtual meetings have become prevalent. However, ensuring accessibility for all community members is vital. This involves providing translations, clear communication about meeting details, and maintaining an easily accessible central hub for information.
Deciphering Decision-Making and Authority: Community members often feel their opinions don't influence decisions, leading to apathy. Transparency in decision-making processes and accountability are crucial. Accountability involves not only acknowledging community input but also demonstrating how it influences decisions. Building trust requires showing that community feedback is valued and acted upon.
Internal Structures for Receptiveness: Structural changes within municipalities are necessary to enhance receptiveness to community engagement. Adequate staffing and proper organization are essential. If community engagement is a priority, municipalities must allocate sufficient resources and staff to handle the diverse needs of their constituencies.
Consideration for Busy Lifestyles: Understanding the busy lives of community members is crucial in scheduling engagement events. Recognizing work hours, family commitments, and other responsibilities ensures that events are well-attended. It's essential to avoid competing for time with other agencies and organizations.
Demographic Awareness: Tailoring community engagement efforts to demographics, including working-class individuals, is vital. Scheduling meetings at convenient times, providing language accessibility, and considering the diverse needs of the community contribute to effective engagement.
Successful community engagement requires a thoughtful, purpose-driven, and inclusive approach. By prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and accountability, municipalities can build and maintain trust, ensuring that community voices are not only heard but also influential in shaping the future.
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