Community Engagement: Sustainability Principles
These overarching concepts can help guide the successful design and implementation of all types of engagement. However, keep in mind that just as each city and community are unique, so is each engagement activity.
Actively solicit the community's input throughout the planning and implementation process.
Initiating sustainability activities without listening to community concerns and aspirations is a poor decision. Imposing programs that impact people's daily lives can generate ill will, dampen participation and hinder progress. Instead, empower residents to invest in their community by involving them in the betterment process.
Residents are a valuable resource, offering a first-hand perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of their community. They can contribute a cross-section of diverse ideas and challenges that might otherwise be overlooked. Residents can help analyze the specific needs of their community, and ensure sustainability projects are properly designed to meet those needs.
Start the process off right by actively listening to the community's hopes and concerns. Come to a consensus on the definition of sustainability as it pertains to the needs and customs of the specific community. Whatever is decided together will be the cornerstone of good communication. “Listening sessions” should be held throughout the planning and implementation phases.
Open discussions and events to the entire community.
A new sustainability initiative gives the city the opportunity to attract traditional and nontraditional stakeholders. Check in with leaders from every local constituency to promote the invitation for inclusion. Every decision, from the location and time of events to the establishment of priority projects, can benefit from some level of community input.
Provide meaningful opportunities for involvement.
Take time to plan the best manner for involving all partners. Develop substantial activities that will engage citizens through the duration of the project and beyond. Learn about the individual skill sets of task leaders and volunteers, and apply their talents effectively.
Tailor roles and levels of responsibility to fit different audiences within the community. For example, citizen volunteers could manage the tracking program for utility use reduction, or serve as “block captains” for water conservation. Providing real opportunities for involvement is the responsibility of city leaders.
Continue to serve in the leadership role while engaging the broader community.
Community participants look to the city government to initiate and manage sustainability initiatives. Elected officials and staff should maintain that leadership role. There is a fine line between strong leadership in a participatory process and strong leadership without participation. That is the line the city must walk.
In order to manage community expectations, city leaders need to be upfront about any limitations in city resources. They need to make clear the city's perspective on the program's purpose, and how it might differ from the community's. Agree upon expectations before moving forward with program planning. Design checkpoints throughout the process to make sure both parties are on the same page.
Prove a commitment to the long-term process.
Sustainability takes time. The city needs to show that its commitment -- both to sustainability and the community engagement process -- will be ongoing. Explore plans to institutionalize the engagement process in order to maintain consistency when there are changes in elected officials, staff and volunteer leadership.
Report success and acknowledge community contributions.
Put in place a standard method for reporting successes. Imagine the “thermometer” many non-profits prominently display in public to indicate their progress toward a fundraising goal. Find an equivalent visual symbol for the sustainability initiative. For example, design a web page or kiosk that shows current power use compared to reduction goals.
Direct incentives can be great motivators for participation. Consider offering grants or low-interest loans for energy efficient appliances, or awarding prizes for neighborhoods that win utility conservation competitions.
A strong community engagement process has a multitude of volunteers accomplishing amazing tasks. Acknowledge their work on a regular basis -- at events, in the community newspaper or through another local communication vehicle. As volunteers see meaningful results from their efforts, they will be encouraged to participate more.
