What Is Community Engagement?
There are various ideas surrounding the definition of community engagement. However, in its most basic form, community engagement seeks to better engage the community to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes while opening space for partnerships and collabs, opportunities for public or private growth and economic development.
Why Is It Important?
Have you ever taken a survey in your neighborhood? Or maybe you have been to a big game held at a stadium in your area? Possibly you have shown up to a meet-and-greet hosted by your favorite YouTuber or influencer. Therefore, basically, the importance of community engagement is to connect with people to build bonds and strengthen ties and trust while promoting inclusion of all voices and gathering information for improvement whether in a public or private business/ entity.
So, are you thinking about jumpstarting community engagement in your organization? Here are a few tips.
1) Get Involved in Community Activities
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get this done is to participate or show up for activities within the community. Research upcoming activities in the community that align with your goals and show up.
2) Create Activities of Your Own
This will pull people together and start a conversation as well as give members of your community a sense of trust since your organization has demonstrated that it cares and is invested in wellbeing, growth, and spirit.
3) Keep Everyone Connected
You can try collating data, such as email and contact numbers for members within your community as well as push them towards your social pages to create a vast communication network.
4) Be Responsive
It is imperative that you are attentive and interactive within your community. Simply answering questions and concerns on all platforms whether in person or digitally is a great way to start. Keep a very human element when you address the audience.
5) Never Underestimate the Power of Entertainment and Education
You can also lean into setting up events that just allow the community members to just have fun such as sports, parades, festivals etc.
For more information and tips, book your consultation today.