Community Engagement brings people together, gathers and provides information, and gives people a voice.

 

A community engagement process leads to a comprehensive plan that is developed through the input, cooperation and consensus of the community. 

This Process Yields a Plan that:

• Is responsive to community needs and supported at the grassroots level.

• Enhances community understanding of the district's mission and programs.

• Improves overall communication.

• Builds trust between the district and the community it serves.
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Critical Elements:

• Large Number of Participants​

• Internal Buy-in and Support

• True Two-Way Communication

• Good Information

• Leadership

• Clear Mission and Agenda

• Action and Accountability

• Vision of Excellence

 

With these elements in mind, a process is created to help communities understand the challenges facing the district, while making them part of the solution.

 

The Process:

• Form a Steering Committee to oversee the overall program and plan.

• Brand the Process - make it a thing.

• Organize Planning Workshops with large numbers of community members.

• Create Effective Two-Way Communications between residents and the district.

• Develop Community Understanding - have they bought in?

• Establish a Volunteer Network that will lay the foundation of support to implement the plan.