Let’s be honest, when most people hear “community engagement,” their eyes glaze over faster than you can say “public consultation sausage sizzle.” But it does not have to be this way. In fact, community engagement can be downright interesting, and even a little bit fun, if you know how to do it right.
Community engagement is not just a box-ticking exercise for councils and organisations. It is how we make sure the voices of real people, yes, even the ones who only show up for the free biscuits, are heard in decisions that affect everyone. When done well, it leads to better outcomes, stronger communities, and fewer angry letters to the editor.
You know the type, the same handful of passionate locals who turn up to every meeting, ready with colour-coded folders and a list of grievances. While their enthusiasm is admirable, it is important to make sure everyone else gets a fair go too. That means mixing up your methods, think online surveys, pop-up stalls at the weekend markets, and even a cheeky poll on social media.
Pro tip: If you want to boost engagement, offer snacks. It is a scientific fact, probably, that people are 73 percent more likely to fill out a survey if there is a lamington involved, maybe.
Here’s the secret, people are more likely to have their say if it is easy and enjoyable. Keep your questions short and sweet, use plain language, and show people how their feedback will make a real difference. And for the love of all things Aussie, avoid jargon, no one wants to “leverage stakeholder synergies” before their morning coffee.
Nothing kills enthusiasm faster than sharing your thoughts and never hearing back. Always let people know what happened with their feedback, even if the answer is “we are still working on it.” A little transparency goes a long way.
Community engagement does not have to be a snooze fest. With the right approach, and maybe a few lamingtons, you can turn even the most reluctant residents into enthusiastic contributors. So next time you are planning a consultation, remember, keep it simple, keep it fun, and always bring snacks.
Looking to make your community engagement less boring and more effective?
Check out how Communiti Labs can help you reach more people, gather better insights, and actually enjoy the process. Because community engagement should be as lively as the communities we serve.