The art comes from the understanding, skill, and sensitivity used to apply and adapt the science in ways that fit the community and the purposes of specific engagement efforts. It also comes from organizing concepts drawn from the literature on community participation, community development, constituency building, and community psychology. The science comes from sociology, public policy, political science, cultural anthropology, organizational development, psychology, social- psychology and other disciplines. In practice, community engagement is a blend of science and art. The linking of the term 'community' to 'engagement' serves to broaden the scope, shifting the focus from the individual to the collective, with the associated implications for inclusiveness to ensure consideration is made of the diversity that exists within any community. 'Community engagement' is therefore a strategic process with the specific purpose of working with identified groups of people, whether they are connected by geographic location, special interest, or affiliation to identify and address issues affecting their well-being. (Adapted from: Department of Environment and Primary Industries )Ĭommunity Engagement is…the process of working collaboratively with and through groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or similar situations to address issues affecting the well-being of those people It is a powerful vehicle for bringing about environmental and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the community and its members It often involves partnerships and coalitions that help mobilize resources and influence systems, change relationships among partners, and serve as catalysts for changing policies, programs, and practices (CDC, 1997). A community may be a geographic location (community of place), a community of similar interest (community of practice), or a community of affiliation or identity such as industry or sporting club. The word 'community' is also a broad term used to define groups of people, whether they are stakeholders, interest groups, or citizen groups. It also places a premium on fostering and enhancing trust as a critical element in long-term, sustainable engagement and effective governance. Community engagement employs and range of tools and strategies to ensure success. This framework is based on principles that respect the right of all community members to be informed, consulted, involved and empowered.
Source: Australian Government Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentĮngagement is not generally driven by a 'model' so much as by a framework of guiding principles, strategies, and approaches. To be successful, it must encompass strategies and processes that are sensitive to the community-context in which it occurs.