A Guide to Community Engagement & Outreach for ...
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8 Whoever comes are the right people Whenever it starts is the right time Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happen Provide translation and recognize that good conversations happen in all languages. Due to high immigrant and refugee populations in Toronto, it has become extremely important to provide translation services at community meetings. This is essential if we want to be inclusive, and hear the needs and expectations of all residents in the community. If you are not able to provide translation services at the event, consider having translated documents handed out to community members for greater participation. If you are stressed or concerned about the success of your event, just rem Community outreach - Margaret Mead utreach is simply put the process of communicating with communities and community members. Outreach can be done for the purposes of promotion, education, research, information, connection, or providing services. The goal of outreach is to get information into a given community and, in the context of community engagement, it is also to get community members more involved in what is happening in their community. O “Sending information through other networks and using partners to help with outreach. (Always ask for permission to send information out search for partners with common goals)” When you go to a community event and want to promote or inform the community, make sure that you have materials to provide people with. Create brochures, pamphlets, one-pagers, -up to our ema Check out our guidebook on DDeevveellooppiinngg EEffffeeccttiivvee MMeeddiiaa SSttrraatteeggiieess!!
In Partnerships
10 Tip Print your flyers in colour, if possible. People will be more attracted to the flyer and it will seem more legitimate and professional. All outreach materials should be written in clearly and concisely. Do not overload promotional materials with information it should only contain the information that is necessary. For example, if you are holding an event, the flyer should only include: Title of the event Short explanation of the event (1 sentence) Event objectives or why people should participate Date, time and location of your event ontact information Provide translated materials. When possible, provide translated materials to communities with a high population of members who are not as experienced reading in English. Know your audience and use appropriate messaging. Different communities respond messages differently. When writing your material, consider whether your language is too formal, not formal enough, needs visual material, needs large print, and so on. If you are holding an event that welcomes everyone from the community want them there. If the event is limited to certain members of the community, be clear to mention that in your materials. Connect with a variety of resident leaders and other community organizers. Tap into their networks. Spreading the word is much quicker and easier you involve other leaders and organizers in the community. Be ready to provide extra copies of your materials (along with your contact information) so that others can hand them out. Go to where the people are. In order to reach a wide audience and engage those who might not be naturally attracted to getting involved in their communities, make sure that you do outreach where people are. For example, frequent malls, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and community centers. “About a week before the event, it is good to follow up with people that you spoke to or emailed.” 12 Building a Strong Community: Best Practices - Lois Gibbs ommunity engagement is a process that process takes time and effort. It requires bringing people together, establishing trust and relationships, developing collective goals, building capacity and working to create change. Community engagement is about building consensus, identifying community needs and creating momentum within communities to address issues and create solutions. The change that results from community engagement can be change in attitudes, building social capital or promoting economic and environmental development. Below are eight examples of best practices when building strong community engagement in Scarborough. 1. Meaningful Inclusion Community engagement is not about consultation or representation. This kind of can be seen as tokenism* or rubberstamping. It can be ineffective and counterproductive, leaving community members feeling used and angry. Meaningful inclusion is about involving the community in identifying problems and opportunities, and creating solutions on their own terms. This could include involving community members in planning local policies or projects or participating in a community barbeque. The more ambitious levels of engagement include elements of empowerment and development. This enables the community to envision its own future and actively participate in making this vision happen. The goal is community development - to improve the quality of life of individuals in the community. Having community members take part in the process every step of the way not only improves effective community engagement, but it also legitimizes your efforts as well. While including all stakeholders* in the community development process is evidently important, there are some challenges to ensuring its practices. Communities are made of people who have a wide and diverse set of interests, knowledge, experiences, and concerns.
10 Tip Print your flyers in colour, if possible. People will be more attracted to the flyer and it will seem more legitimate and professional. All outreach materials should be written in clearly and concisely. Do not overload promotional materials with information it should only contain the information that is necessary. For example, if you are holding an event, the flyer should only include: Title of the event Short explanation of the event (1 sentence) Event objectives or why people should participate Date, time and location of your event ontact information Provide translated materials. When possible, provide translated materials to communities with a high population of members who are not as experienced reading in English. Know your audience and use appropriate messaging. Different communities respond messages differently. When writing your material, consider whether your language is too formal, not formal enough, needs visual material, needs large print, and so on. If you are holding an event that welcomes everyone from the community want them there. If the event is limited to certain members of the community, be clear to mention that in your materials. Connect with a variety of resident leaders and other community organizers. Tap into their networks. Spreading the word is much quicker and easier you involve other leaders and organizers in the community. Be ready to provide extra copies of your materials (along with your contact information) so that others can hand them out. Go to where the people are. In order to reach a wide audience and engage those who might not be naturally attracted to getting involved in their communities, make sure that you do outreach where people are. For example, frequent malls, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and community centers. “It is just as important to continue your outreach initiatives after the event so that people do not forget about the initiatives taking place in their community.” 12 Building a Strong Community: Best Practices - Lois Gibbs ommunity engagement is a process that process takes time and effort. It requires bringing people together, establishing trust and relationships, developing collective goals, building capacity and working to create change. Community engagement is about building consensus, identifying community needs and creating momentum within communities to address issues and create solutions. The change that results from community engagement can be change in attitudes, building social capital or promoting economic and environmental development. Below are eight examples of best practices when building strong community engagement in Scarborough. 1. Meaningful Inclusion Community engagement is not about consultation or representation. This kind of can be seen as tokenism* or rubberstamping. It can be ineffective and counterproductive, leaving community members feeling used and angry. Meaningful inclusion is about involving the community in identifying problems and opportunities, and creating solutions on their own terms. This could include involving community members in planning local policies or projects or participating in a community barbeque. The more ambitious levels of engagement include elements of empowerment and development. This enables the community to envision its own future and actively participate in making this vision happen. The goal is community development - to improve the quality of life of individuals in the community. Having community members take part in the process every step of the way not only improves effective community engagement, but it also legitimizes your efforts as well. While including all stakeholders* in the community development process is evidently important, there are some challenges to ensuring its practices. Communities are made of people who have a wide and diverse set of interests, knowledge, experiences, and concerns.
10 Tip Print your flyers in colour, if possible. People will be more attracted to the flyer and it will seem more legitimate and professional. All outreach materials should be written in clearly and concisely. Do not overload promotional materials with information it should only contain the information that is necessary. For example, if you are holding an event, the flyer should only include: Title of the event Short explanation of the event (1 sentence) Event objectives or why people should participate Date, time and location of your event ontact information Provide translated materials. When possible, provide translated materials to communities with a high population of members who are not as experienced reading in English. Know your audience and use appropriate messaging. Different communities respond messages differently. When writing your material, consider whether your language is too formal, not formal enough, needs visual material, needs large print, and so on. If you are holding an event that welcomes everyone from the community want them there. If the event is limited to certain members of the community, be clear to mention that in your materials. Connect with a variety of resident leaders and other community organizers. Tap into their networks. Spreading the word is much quicker and easier you involve other leaders and organizers in the community. Be ready to provide extra copies of your materials (along with your contact information) so that others can hand them out. Go to where the people are. In order to reach a wide audience and engage those who might not be naturally attracted to getting involved in their communities, make sure that you do outreach where people are. For example, frequent malls, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and community centers. “Always follow up with residents to see if they enjoyed the event.” 12 Building a Strong Community: Best Practices - Lois Gibbs ommunity engagement is a process that process takes time and effort. It requires bringing people together, establishing trust and relationships, developing collective goals, building capacity and working to create change. Community engagement is about building consensus, identifying community needs and creating momentum within communities to address issues and create solutions. The change that results from community engagement can be change in attitudes, building social capital or promoting economic and environmental development. Below are eight examples of best practices when building strong community engagement in Scarborough. 1. Meaningful Inclusion Community engagement is not about consultation or representation. This kind of can be seen as tokenism* or rubberstamping. It can be ineffective and counterproductive, leaving community members feeling used and angry. Meaningful inclusion is about involving the community in identifying problems and opportunities, and creating solutions on their own terms. This could include involving community members in planning local policies or projects or participating in a community barbeque. The more ambitious levels of engagement include elements of empowerment and development. This enables the community to envision its own future and actively participate in making this vision happen. The goal is community development - to improve the quality of life of individuals in the community. Having community members take part in the process every step of the way not only improves effective community engagement, but it also legitimizes your efforts as well. While including all stakeholders* in the community development process is evidently important, there are some challenges to ensuring its practices. Communities are made of people who have a wide and diverse set of interests, knowledge, experiences, and concerns.
10 Tip Print your flyers in colour, if possible. People will be more attracted to the flyer and it will seem more legitimate and professional. All outreach materials should be written in clearly and concisely. Do not overload promotional materials with information it should only contain the information that is necessary. For example, if you are holding an event, the flyer should only include: Title of the event Short explanation of the event (1 sentence) Event objectives or why people should participate Date, time and location of your event ontact information Provide translated materials. When possible, provide translated materials to communities with a high population of members who are not as experienced reading in English. Know your audience and use appropriate messaging. Different communities respond messages differently. When writing your material, consider whether your language is too formal, not formal enough, needs visual material, needs large print, and so on. If you are holding an event that welcomes everyone from the community want them there. If the event is limited to certain members of the community, be clear to mention that in your materials. Connect with a variety of resident leaders and other community organizers. Tap into their networks. Spreading the word is much quicker and easier you involve other leaders and organizers in the community. Be ready to provide extra copies of your materials (along with your contact information) so that others can hand them out. Go to where the people are. In order to reach a wide audience and engage those who might not be naturally attracted to getting involved in their communities, make sure that you do outreach where people are. For example, frequent malls, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and community centers. “Start outreach between two-three weeks before your event, and gear up as the event gets closer!” 12 Building a Strong Community: Best Practices - Lois Gibbs ommunity engagement is a process that process takes time and effort. It requires bringing people together, establishing trust and relationships, developing collective goals, building capacity and working to create change. Community engagement is about building consensus, identifying community needs and creating momentum within communities to address issues and create solutions. The change that results from community engagement can be change in attitudes, building social capital or promoting economic and environmental development. Below are eight examples of best practices when building strong community engagement in Scarborough. 1. Meaningful Inclusion Community engagement is not about consultation or representation. This kind of can be seen as tokenism* or rubberstamping. It can be ineffective and counterproductive, leaving community members feeling used and angry. Meaningful inclusion is about involving the community in identifying problems and opportunities, and creating solutions on their own terms. This could include involving community members in planning local policies or projects or participating in a community barbeque. The more ambitious levels of engagement include elements of empowerment and development. This enables the community to envision its own future and actively participate in making this vision happen. The goal is community development - to improve the quality of life of individuals in the community. Having community members take part in the process every step of the way not only improves effective community engagement, but it also legitimizes your efforts as well. While including all stakeholders* in the community development process is evidently important, there are some challenges to ensuring its practices. Communities are made of people who have a wide and diverse set of interests, knowledge, experiences, and concerns.
10 Tip Print your flyers in colour, if possible. People will be more attracted to the flyer and it will seem more legitimate and professional. All outreach materials should be written in clearly and concisely. Do not overload promotional materials with information it should only contain the information that is necessary. For example, if you are holding an event, the flyer should only include: Title of the event Short explanation of the event (1 sentence) Event objectives or why people should participate Date, time and location of your event ontact information Provide translated materials. When possible, provide translated materials to communities with a high population of members who are not as experienced reading in English. Know your audience and use appropriate messaging. Different communities respond messages differently. When writing your material, consider whether your language is too formal, not formal enough, needs visual material, needs large print, and so on. If you are holding an event that welcomes everyone from the community want them there. If the event is limited to certain members of the community, be clear to mention that in your materials. Connect with a variety of resident leaders and other community organizers. Tap into their networks. Spreading the word is much quicker and easier you involve other leaders and organizers in the community. Be ready to provide extra copies of your materials (along with your contact information) so that others can hand them out. Go to where the people are. In order to reach a wide audience and engage those who might not be naturally attracted to getting involved in their communities, make sure that you do outreach where people are. For example, frequent malls, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and community centers. “About a week before the event, it is good to follow up with people that you spoke to or emailed.” 12 Building a Strong Community: Best Practices - Lois Gibbs ommunity engagement is a process that process takes time and effort. It requires bringing people together, establishing trust and relationships, developing collective goals, building capacity and working to create change. Community engagement is about building consensus, identifying community needs and creating momentum within communities to address issues and create solutions. The change that results from community engagement can be change in attitudes, building social capital or promoting economic and environmental development. Below are eight examples of best practices when building strong community engagement in Scarborough. 1. Meaningful Inclusion Community engagement is not about consultation or representation. This kind of can be seen as tokenism* or rubberstamping. It can be ineffective and counterproductive, leaving community members feeling used and angry. Meaningful inclusion is about involving the community in identifying problems and opportunities, and creating solutions on their own terms. This could include involving community members in planning local policies or projects or participating in a community barbeque. The more ambitious levels of engagement include elements of empowerment and development. This enables the community to envision its own future and actively participate in making this vision happen. The goal is community development - to improve the quality of life of individuals in the community. Having community members take part in the process every step of the way not only improves effective community engagement, but it also legitimizes your efforts as well. While including all stakeholders* in the community development process is evidently important, there are some challenges to ensuring its practices. Communities are made of people who have a wide and diverse set of interests, knowledge, experiences, and concerns.
16 QQuuiicckk TTiippss Holding community forums and meetings on identified issues (while identifying action-pieces ) Inviting members to democratic-based* or consensus-based* working groups on specific initiatives Get feedback on proposed decisions from the community through either formal votes or informal discussions during meetings or gatherings where appropriate community may express their voices louder than others. But this does not ces are less worthy or non-existent.) If you know of community members who have not expressed their suggestions for community decisions, invite them to give their opinions, as some people are less comfortable in doing so unless they are approached Provid need more time than others to provide a response) Be accessible for receiving feedback When communities do not feel as though they have a stake in the change that happens, they may not see decisions about local policies and the delivery of services as legitimate and credible. But, when the majority of people feel heard and included in decision-making, there is ownership over the decision and a commitment to achieve the change desired. It empowers communities to take initiative, increases their investment in the community and develops a sense amongst community members that they have control over the direction of their community. It is important to choose the appropriate methods or strategies to ensure that everyone has their say in decisions that affect the community as a whole. Some of the following methods can be employed to help bring everyone in a community on board. “they allow you to access resources, communities or experts that you otherwise may not have reached.” 18 Principles of a Community Organizer - Margaret Mead his section discusses important principles for professional community organizers those who work for an organization to perform outreach and develop engagement within the community. While being familiar with your community is the first step to community engagement and outreach, it is just as important for a community organizer to live by a number of principles that will allow you to effectively and genuinely organize. These five basic principles allow you to maintain a clear sense of your role in the community. 1. Embrace Culture Scarborough (and Toronto in general) has one of the most diverse populations in the world. While we have welcomed and embraced multiculturalism in our policies, social isolation and exclusion is consistently identified as a pressing issue within immigrant and ethnic populations. It is important to recognize that many people in immigrant and ethnic communities are eager to get involved and develop social networks. Learn about different cultural approaches to community & community involvement. As community workers, it is very important to understand that residents have different understandings of what community is and different ways of engaging with their communities. As a result, engagement and outreach strategies that work to engage certain communities may not work to engage others. 2. Ensure Professionalism If you are a professional community organizer, it is important to be accessible to members of the community while ensuring legitimacy in what you do. When working in the community, use tools like ID badges and business cards to help build trust. Second, maintain strong and strict boundaries recognize that you are not friends with residents, but that rather you are working for them.
In Partnerships