8. Seven essential tips for building “with” your community
Hello fellow changemakers!
As discussed in the prior article, when it comes to creating meaningful and sustainable change, building "with" your community is a powerful approach.
By actively involving community members in the decision-making process, you can tap into their collective wisdom, address real needs, and foster a sense of ownership.
Here are seven essential tips to help you successfully implement a building "with" approach:
Understand Your Constraints: Begin by understanding the limitations and challenges your organization may face, such as resource constraints, time limitations, and potential barriers to community engagement. Being aware of these constraints will help you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Define Your Objectives and Process: Clearly articulate your objectives, the desired outcomes, and the steps to achieve them. This clarity will guide your collaborative efforts and keep everyone focused on the desired impact.
Map Out the Best Community Stakeholders to Involve: Identify key stakeholders within the community who can provide valuable insights and diverse perspectives. Reach out to individuals and groups directly impacted by the initiatives and those who can contribute unique expertise and knowledge.
Set Ground Rules: Establish transparent ground rules for working together. Define roles, responsibilities, and communication channels. Additionally, create a framework for managing conflicts constructively and making decisions collaboratively to ensure a smooth and inclusive process.
Create a Safe Space to Engage: Build a safe and inclusive environment for community members to participate. Foster open dialogue, actively listen to their concerns, and make sure everyone feels heard and respected. Encourage feedback and adapt your strategies based on community input.
Enjoy the Process: Embrace the journey of collaboration and community engagement. Find joy in the learning experiences, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Engaging with the community can be enriching and rewarding for everyone involved.
Celebrate Success: Acknowledge the impact of the collaborative efforts. Celebrate achievements and recognize the contributions of community members. This recognition fosters a sense of pride and reinforces the importance of ongoing community involvement.
Building "with" your community requires dedication, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to meaningful collaboration. By following these tips, you can create a transformative process that leads to more impactful and sustainable change. Let us work hand in hand with our communities, fostering positive and lasting transformations together.
If you're interested in enhancing your strategic planning skills, I invite you to join my FREE monthly webinars at www.amarachikejeh.com/events.
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About Amarachi Kejeh
Amarachi Kejeh (MBA, FP&A) is an IAP2 award-winning strategic planning consultant and educator with a wealth of experience serving organizations across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Based out of St. Thomas, Ontario, Amarachi primarily caters to clients across London and Southwestern Ontario, while also delivering her expertise to clients across Canada and internationally upon request. With her passion for creating positive change and her extensive knowledge in strategic planning, Amarachi is committed to empowering organizations and communities to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Interested in how she can serve you? Visit www.amarachikejeh.com/contact.
