7 Actions to maximize the success of the engagement planning phase
Action 1: Understand the norms of your community
This is important whether your community is a geographical area or a particular group of individuals brought together by virtue of a similar situation or special interest.
- What is expected of us in this community?
- What is this community’s preferred approach to engagement?
- How can we meet this community’s needs through engagement?
Action 2: Identify clear objectives
- Why is a particular engagement activity being considered now?
- What are the desired objectives or outcomes of the engagement activity?
- Would the development of Terms of Reference help provide clarity?
Action 3: Identify intended participants and participant groups
- Which groups or individuals should be involved to meet the objectives or mandate of the engagement?
- Which groups or individuals would ensure representativeness and/or contribute to your commitments to Truth and Reconciliation?
Action 4: Clarify roles and responsibilities in the engagement
- Are individual participants representing themselves? Or a group of people?
- What is expected of each person or group in terms of their contribution?
Action 5: Choose an appropriate level of engagement
- Which is the appropriate level of engagement for this activity?
Inform > Consult > Involve > Collaborate > Empower
Action 6: Choose a specific engagement method or approach
- What exactly will we do to engage?
- Which engagement approach best meets our needs? (e.g., set up an advisory committee, hold a consultation meeting, gather input through a survey, etc.)
Action 7: Communicate your objectives and expectations around level of influence on decision making
- How will we transparently communicate the objectives, steps and anticipated outcomes of the engagement to stakeholders?