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| | Engagement Practices Description Engagement practices refer to a variety of approaches to bringing others into active participation in an experiment or shared inquiry. Paying special attention to how others are brought in and brought along will pay off by setting the right tone for the group’s work, reducing any potential anxiety and confusion, and ensuring the active participation and retention of members. These practices include extending the invitation, giving clear direction, setting expectations, preparing the space, and welcoming newcomers. Example The leader of a community foundation prepared to conduct a community-based research project, in which she and other stakeholders would explore the feasibility of integrating all after-school programs for youth in her county. Knowing that she would need a broad base of support to such an ambitious initiative, she called together a group of 50 people that included students, parents, neighborhood association leaders, and representatives from a wide variety of service providers, including schools, museums, the symphony, the Boys and Girls Clubs, tutorial and mentoring programs, and others. After engaging this group in a dialogue to get a sense of their needs, desires and interests, she asked for volunteers to participate in further study of the issue, which would result in recommendations to the foundation’s board for a new funding stream. By considering the engagement practices offered here, she was successful in convening the group, and engaging them in the design and implementation of the community-based research project. Approaches 1. Extending the invitation. An invitation to participate in an experiment or shared inquiry should provide explicit information as to the nature of the work to be done, why it is important, why the individual’s participation is essential, who else is expected to be involved, and what the expected results of the work will be. At the same time, the invitation should leave plenty of room open for flexibility and adaptability as the group comes together to plan and implement the work. The challenge is being explicit enough to communicate purpose, intentions, and possible outcomes, at the same time that a true invitation to full participation is expressed. 2. Giving clear direction Directions for accepting the invitation, completing any preparation work, and first steps for meeting with the community should be communicated clearly, along with logistical information such as date, time and place. It may even be necessary to follow-up with a phone call to make a personal connection, to clarify any information, to discover any special needs participants may have, and to offer services that may be required, such as transportation or childcare. If the group is meeting virtually, special preparation may be necessary, such as helping individuals with access to a computer, getting online, and navigating the spaces. 3. Setting expectations Expectations, as far as they are known, should be explicitly stated at the outset, especially as it relates to the amount of time that participants will need to devote to the work at hand. Other issues include how often the group will meet, what roles individuals will be expected to play, what resources will be required, and how expenses will be covered. It is also critical to be clear about any constraints that are already in place, or guidelines that must be adhered to, such as requirements of funders, sponsors, or other regulators. 4. Preparing the space How a space is organized for group participation is one of the most important, and often overlooked, considerations in engaging others. A spacious room with views to the outdoors can foster energy, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking. Having all necessary materials at hand – pencils, paper, flipcharts – will make the work go smoothly. Refreshments are not essential, but they help to create space for socializing during a work period. Even if you are meeting in virtual space, you generally have the opportunity to customize the space to make it as humane and inviting as possible, conducive to conversation, and easy to use in getting important work completed.
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