Community Engagement: Benefits
The positive outcomes of constructive collaboration are numerous, and far outweigh the potential challenges of coordinating such an effort. Not only are the chances better for program success, but residents' investment will strengthen the future health of the community. Among the additional advantages are:
New Ideas
Some of the best new ideas for a sustainable community are generated in a local participatory setting. Sustainability, by nature, is a cutting-edge, ever-evolving concept. Soliciting a variety of perspectives can generate original and numerous solutions.
Customized Solutions
Input from a broader cross-section of stakeholders allows for a fuller understanding of community-specific issues. Their on-the-ground perspective can provide a reality check for which ideas are most likely to work and which are not. Policies and their execution can then be tailored to fit the area's particular resources, skill sets, and population size and culture.
Behavioral Change
Sustainability requires individual behavioral modifications on a personal level. It can affect day-to-day living in subtle or substantial ways. If community members buy-in to sustainable programs from the concept stage, change is more likely to be accepted and lasting.
Funding Opportunities
Studies show that communities with greater citizen involvement have higher rates of applying for -- and receiving -- funding.
Conflict Prevention
Giving stakeholders the opportunity for up-front involvement can help prevent potentially serious conflicts from arising later. Problems can be addressed proactively, avoiding emotionally-charged, damaging situations.
Positive Environment
Residents who are invested in shaping their community report a higher level of satisfaction with where they live. Involvement in local government can empower citizens, create a sense of belonging, foster an atmosphere of excitement and improve residents' confidence in their government.
Access to Information
As community involvement increases, information about resources and opportunities will circulate more widely, reaching more people.
Relationship-building
Face-to-face involvement is an excellent way for local governments and stakeholders to monitor each other's health, gather valuable information and hold each other accountable for intended progress. Local governments will be in a position to better understand the complex issues in the communities they serve, and citizens will be in a position to better understand the processes of government, including the demands on city funds and staff.
