Community Involvement
Articles
“Roadside Assistance: Building Community Partnerships,”
America’s Byways Resource Center; Vistas, January/February 2005
Community Involvement: Building Community Partnerships
From its start, the America’s Byways Resource Center has given due allegiance to these concerns of local byway groups, and it has increased that focus in the past year.
Clearly the efforts of byway groups produce greater results when they are taken on with community partners. Whenever a group takes the time to do an honest inventory of their stakeholders and potential partners, it turns out to be “everybody.” Community partners are more likely to support you if they are informed about your work. Even if they are opposed to your efforts at some level, early and complete information about your decisions may head off later efforts to prevent your success.
It’s sometimes harder to engage those people in your own community who have a stake in your byway but are not yet involved. Use the information below to help you determine the types of individuals you want to involve in your work and how to communicate with them. You may find it useful to check this list whenever you need to communicate plans, decisions and projects, related to your byway. It will remind you to ask yourself, “Who needs to know?” Then you can take the steps to communicate your message effectively.
POWER HOLDERS
Profile:
Well connected politically at local, State or national level. Usually long time residents, sometimes wealthy.
Level of Interest:
Take a big picture point of view. Many only get involved when decisions need to be made.
How to inform:
Letters with general information. Invitations to important events.
Ways to increase involvement:
Face-to-face meetings by appointment. Be prepared with accurate and concise data and compelling stories. Phone calls by appointment.
KEY INFLUENCERS
Profile:
Hold decision making positions either as professionals or high-level volunteers. Well known in the region and respected for their knowledge and skills.
Level of Interest:
Well informed of the broad concerns and goals of the community. These people may extend their network to you and make introductions to other key stakeholders. When known, the opinion of these people can sway the opinions of the public.
How to inform:
Phone calls and letters with data and general information. Invitations to events and critical meetings. Invitations to serve on advisory committees and boards of directors.
Ways to increase involvement:
Face-to-face meetings by appointment. Be prepared with accurate and concise data and compelling stories.
CITIZENS OF ACTION
Profile:
Participate in organizations and the everyday work of the community. Task oriented, have many contacts and know how to get things done.
Level of Interest:
In-depth knowledge of the community issues. These people have extensive networks and effective communication skills. They are typically involved as board members and serve on committes as well and participate as volunteers for community work and events.
How to inform:
Phone calls and e-mails. These people will often see your announcements in local newspapers and call you for more information.
Ways to increase involvement:
Letter with follow-up phone call to invite participation. Invite them to your meetings to present points of view for other organizations they work with. Involve them in public meetings and hearings on your issues.
CONCERNED PUBLIC
Profile:
Aware of what going on in the community and what the hot issues are. Get involved when something is of interest or will impact them.
Level of Interest:
General awareness of community concerns and major change efforts. May volunteer when an issue interests them personally.
How to inform:
Will often notice your announcements in newspapers. May receive issue-related publications and e-mail notices.
Ways to increase involvement:
Attend meetings of groups with interest related to yours and make presentation of your mission and vision. Increase awareness of potential local impacts.