Community Engagement Lesson 1b

Question 1

is the process of working collaboratively with community groups to address issues that impact the well-being of those groups.

Answer 1

Community Engagement

Question 2

Community engagement is based on the principles of community organization:

Answer 2

1. Fairness
2. Justice
3. Empowerment
4. Participation
5. Self-Determination

Question 3

Levels of Engagement

Answer 3

1. Inform (Low)
2. Consult
3. Involve (Mid)
4. Collaborate
5. Empower (High)

Question 4

Functions of Community Engagement

Answer 4

a. focus on community development or community building

b. community participation in consultation and decision-making

c. helps organizations, businesses etc. to improve their service delivery or to achieve their goals

d. part of social change movements or as part of the work of voluntary community organizations

Question 5

Focus on community development or community building: - involving community members is an important underpinning of many bottom up approaches (such as Asset Based Community Development /ABCD)

a feature of strong communities is high levels of social capital and so an community building often focuses on encouraging people to be actively involved in their community generally.

Answer 5

Focus on community development or community building

Question 6

Many organizations including schools, health services, government departments and planners need to consult communities about a range of issues.

A tool that many practitioners find useful is the Spectrum Public Participation (levels of engagement).

Answer 6

Consultation and Decision-Making

Question 7

Seven principles of public engagement in consultation and decision making by Atlee, et. al. (2009):

Answer 7

1. Careful Planning & Preparation
2. Inclusion & Demographic Diversity
3. Collaboration & Shared Purpose
4. Openness & Learning
5. Transparency & Trust
6. Impact & Action
7. Sustained Engagement & Participatory Culture

Question 8

Through adequate and inclusive planning, ensure that the design, organization, and convening of the process serve both a clearly defined purpose and the needs of the participants.

Answer 8

Careful Planning & Preparation

Question 9

Equitably incorporate diverse people, voices, ideas, and information to lay the groundwork for quality outcomes and democratic legitimacy.

Answer 9

Inclusion & Demographic Diversity

Question 10

Support and encourage participants, government and community institutions, and others to work together to advance the common good.

Answer 10

Collaboration & Shared Purpose

Question 11

Help all involved listen to each other, explore new ideas unconstrained by predetermined outcomes, learn and apply information in ways that generate new options, and rigorously evaluate public engagement activities for effectiveness.

Answer 11

Openness & Learning

Question 12

Be clear and open about the process, and provide a public record of the organizers, sponsors, outcomes, and range of views and ideas expressed.

Answer 12

Transparency & Trust

Question 13

Ensure each participatory effort has real potential to make a difference, and that participants are aware of that potential.

Answer 13

Impact & Action

Question 14

Promote a culture of participation with programs and institutions that support ongoing quality public engagement.

Answer 14

Sustained Engagement & Participatory Culture

Question 15

C. Benefits for businesses of community engagement (through building a relationship with a community organization) by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of WA (2012):

Answer 15

1. Morale building
2. Professional development
3. Brand or status recognition
4. Recognized as a valued member of the community
5. Aligning activities with the organization’s value.