Let us be your Fractional Community Engagement Specialist.

Are you considering hosting a community discussion? This could be engaging the community, having a town hall meeting or executive roundtable. Right now organizations understand the need to increase community engagement efforts. Community discussions are a powerful way to accomplish this. We can help facilitate a civil discussion, providing insights and an empathetic ear in a psychologically safe environment. This is a great way to inform your work and enhance the services you're already providing. it can form communal bonds leading to more engagement in the future.

 I’ve facilitated many community engagements, most recently in Inwood, NY for the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum (DFM). It was a series of 3 community conversations. With a high level of diversity, beyond Dominican American, African American, and Caucasian Americans, the diversity in culture, customs, and historical perceptions mandated a need for community discussion. The goal was to create a space where feelings and thoughts could be expressed without impacting psychological safety. 

Here is a clip of the post-event debrief. I chatted with Melissa Kiewiet, Executive Director at DFM. Here’s what she had to say:

Protected Participation

Saying “All are welcome” and showing all are welcome is not the same thing. The stage must be set in the marketing of the event, and promise must be kept in the facilitation. It is a matter of time, access, edgy but safe prompts that solicit input or perspective. You must be brave enough to ask, open enough to listen, and composed in a way that the give and take is not simply reactionary. All of this is possible when the tone is set and you present the opportunity in an environment where you can be a thermostat and help regulate any emotional thermometers in attendance.

The Power of Engaging

Many public-facing organizations provide valuable information presented in lectures or presentations. This approach can lack heartfelt relevance. Engaging audiences requires time to listen, and not merely being heard. Let us help you present a space where personal authentic voices can share lived experiences.

How we can help:

• Free Pre-event Consultation

• Facilitating Community,  Group, or Executive Discussions

• Engagement Talking Points

• Audience Question Prompts (Talking Points Matter!)

• Recommend Audience Activations (Let's make it Engaging!)

• Venue Set-up Guidance (We can work with any space)

Let us know how we may be of service!

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