![]() Instead of telling the community what might happen, a facilitator will create opportunities for the community to tell us. Instead of presenting, a facilitator will ask questions. Facilitation is a very different approach from the way most community engagement is designed. Using facilitative techniques is one of the most meaningful tools local government can use to foster inclusion and create a process for community engagement that is welcoming and results in stronger support.įacilitation is a tool that inherently creates inclusivity-as a facilitator you are a guide, a motivator, a bridge builder, a cheerleader, and an active listener. However, if inclusivity is truly a goal, there needs to be a focus on collaboration and empowerment with the community, which often means changing an approach or even sharing decision making.Īs leaders and managers, we all have tools in our toolbox to use during community engagement. Consulting with your community is also an approach that is often used in engagement-surveys and community meetings are good examples. Many local governments already do an amazing job of informing their communities with inclusion in mind-examples would include printing materials or creating documents in multiple languages. ![]() Consulting, collaborating, and empowering are all examples of being more inclusive. There are four general levels to community engagement: inform, consult, collaborate, and empower. So how do we continue to foster and facilitate inclusive community engagement even when faced with ongoing and unique challenges? With a deliberative and intentional focus on thinking inclusively. Numerous studies have shown that inclusivity results in better outcomes: more creative ideas, strengthened communication, robust support for results, and deeper relationships. ![]() Inclusive means “not excluding any of the parties or groups involved,” but even more so, to make participants feel welcome, valued, and included in our work. Mandated safety protocols for attendance and spacing.Īs the world continues to grow more diverse, it is more important than ever to take the time to be deliberately inclusive in our community engagement strategies.Access (equipment, transportation, internet service).Not only are there the traditional concerns of apathy, time constraints, and conflicting priorities, but the pandemic has created additional barriers for our communities: We all know that it can be especially challenging right now to have inclusive community engagement and outreach.
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