ENGAGEMENT DOESN'T COME EASY

Achieving community engagement for a common goal can feel like an uphill battle, and it’s often because what seems like a simple objective isn't so easy in practice. People are busy, have different priorities, and are often skeptical of new initiatives. Yet, the desire to see change in our neighborhoods remains strong. So why the disconnect? What keeps people from coming together, and how do we bridge the gap?

Barriers We Face to Engagement
First, there's the issue of trust. In many communities, people have seen initiatives come and go with little to no follow-through. Maybe a program started with excitement, but faded out due to lack of resources or leadership. We know this history breeds a sense of cynicism—“Why should I care if nothing will change?” Trust isn’t something one can force; it has to be earned slowly through consistent action.

Next is time. We know people lead busy lives—work, family, personal commitments. Engaging in a community effort feels like one more thing to add to an already packed schedule. If our initiative isn’t flexible or accessible, it’s hard to convince people to carve out the time. We also have to contend with the reality that some people might not see how the issue at hand directly affects them, making it even harder to ask for their involvement.

Then there’s communication. Often, initiatives are presented in ways that don’t resonate with the very people you're trying to reach. Maybe the language feels too formal, or the messaging doesn’t speak to the daily realities of the community. Without a relatable message, it’s hard to get anyone to pay attention.

Overcoming These Barriers
We understand that the key to overcoming these hurdles is to first recognize them. Engagement doesn’t happen overnight—it requires building trust. Being consistent in our efforts, even if the progress seems slow. Show up for the community before asking the community to show up for you.

Offer flexibility. Not everyone can make the monthly meetings at 7 PM, and that’s okay. Create multiple ways for people to get involved that fit into their lives—whether that’s online, through short volunteer bursts, or simply giving them the space to offer their thoughts and ideas.

And perhaps most importantly, we want to listen. Too often, community initiatives come from the top down, without input from those they’re meant to help. We want to open the floor for genuine feedback, and be prepared to adjust our plans based on what we hear.

Community engagement isn’t about getting people to do what you want—it’s about creating a shared vision that everyone can believe in. We feel that with patience, flexibility, and communication, we can break down the walls that stand in the way of true collaboration.

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