What are the 8 types of community engagement

So, community engagement. It's basically how you work with people to tackle stuff that actually matters to them. There's eight main types, and they go from just telling folks stuff all the way to handing over the keys. The big ones are: Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, Empower, Support, Educate, and Co-Design. Pick the wrong one and you're kinda screwed.

1. Inform

This is the simplest. You're just handing out facts. One-way street, no conversation. Just telling people what's up.

• Key methods: Fact sheets, websites, open houses, press releases.
• Promise to the public: We'll let you know what's happening.

2. Consult

Here, you ask for feedback. People get to talk, but you're still the one calling the shots. It's two-way, but not really equal.

• Key methods: Public comments, focus groups, surveys, polls.
• Promise to the public: We'll hear you out and tell you how your input changed things.

3. Involve

This one's about working directly with the community through the whole thing. Making sure their worries and hopes actually get heard. You're partnering up during planning.

• Key methods: Workshops, deliberative polling, interactive working groups.
• Promise to the public: We'll work with you so your concerns show up in the options we create.

4. Collaborate

Now we're talking real partnership. The community is right there with you, deciding stuff, picking solutions. Power gets shared. It's not just your show anymore.

• Key methods: Citizen advisory committees, participatory budgeting, joint task forces.
• Promise to the public: We're looking to you for ideas and advice on how to fix this.

5. Empower

Top of the ladder. Community gets the final say. You do what they decide. It's their call, not yours.

• Key methods: Delegated decision-making, ballots, community-driven referendums.
• Promise to the public: Whatever you decide, we'll make it happen.

6. Support

This is all about backing up community-led stuff. You provide resources, money, or know-how. You're a helper, not a boss.

• Key methods: Micro-grants, capacity building workshops, providing meeting space.
• Promise to the public: We'll help you reach your own goals.

7. Educate

Deeper than just "Inform." This is structured learning. Building skills so people can actually engage better in other ways. It's about teaching, not just telling.

• Key methods: Training programs, civic literacy courses, public lectures.
• Promise to the public: We'll give you the tools to be a real participant.

8. Co-Design

Creative partnership from the start. Community members and pros work together to design stuff. It's hands-on, messy, and iterative. Not for the faint of heart.

• Key methods: Design sprints, prototyping workshops, community mapping.
• Promise to the public: We're building solutions with you, not for you.

Why is this spectrum important?

Pick the wrong type and people get tired of your crap. Or they stop trusting you. Imagine using "Inform" when folks want "Collaborate." That's a fast track to anger. The IAP2 Spectrum is the go-to for this, but these eight types give you a more detailed toolkit for real-world work.

Expert Insights: Data Table on Engagement Impact

Some research from the National Civic League says deeper stuff like Collaborate and Empower builds way more trust over time. But it costs more upfront. Go figure.

Checklist: How to Choose the Right Type

Here's a quick list to figure out which of the 8 types fits your project. No guarantees though.

• What's the law say? (Public hearings usually mean "Consult")
• How much does the community trust you? (Low trust? Go "Collaborate" or "Empower")
• What's your budget? (Tight? Stick with "Inform" or "Support")
• How much time you got? (Short? "Inform" or "Consult" is your friend)
• Is the issue technical or about values? (Technical might need "Educate" first)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)