Community engagement
Community engagement refers to the process of involving and collaborating with community members in decision-making, planning, and problem-solving. It is a way for organizations, businesses, and governments to connect with the communities they serve and to ensure that the needs and priorities of community members are taken into account. Community engagement can take many forms, including public meetings, surveys, focus groups, and partnerships with local organizations.
Advertisement
Effective community engagement requires building trust and relationships with community members, understanding their needs and concerns, and actively involving them in the decision-making process. This can help to ensure that initiatives and policies are responsive to the needs of the community and are more likely to be successful and sustainable. Community engagement can also promote a sense of ownership and empowerment among community members, leading to greater civic participation and a stronger sense of community. By involving the community in decision-making, organizations can also gain valuable insights and perspectives that can inform their work and help to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
NextdoorView AllNextdoor - Neighborhood-focused social networking platform for local communities.
MeetupView AllMeetup - Social networking platform for organizing offline group events.
NeighborlyView AllNeighborly - Friendly, helpful, community-oriented platform for neighbors.
Facebook GroupsView AllFacebook Groups - Online communities for specific interests or topics.
VolunteerMatchView AllVolunteerMatch - Platform connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations.
Change.orgView AllChange.org - Online platform for social change petitions and campaigns.
PatchView AllPatch - Repair or update for software or system.
EventbriteView AllEventbrite - An event management and ticketing platform.
LocalistView AllLocalist - Event management platform for universities and colleges.
MyCivicWorkoutView AllMyCivicWorkout - Interactive, educational, and fun civic engagement platform.
Community engagement
1.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a private social network for local neighborhoods, allowing residents to connect and communicate with their neighbors. Users can use the platform to share information and recommendations, discuss local issues, and organize community events. It offers a range of features such as classifieds, crime and safety alerts, and local business recommendations. Nextdoor aims to facilitate a sense of community and belonging within neighborhoods, helping residents stay informed and connected with the people and resources around them. It is a popular platform for neighborhood watch groups, local businesses, and community organizations.
Pros
Connects neighbors- shares local information
Cons
Can lead to neighborhood drama- privacy concerns
2.
Meetup
Meetup is a platform that connects people with common interests, allowing them to form or join groups and organize local events and gatherings. It fosters a sense of community and provides a space for individuals to come together and engage in activities they are passionate about, from hiking and book clubs to tech meetups and networking events. With millions of users and thousands of groups worldwide, Meetup enables people to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and explore new experiences in their local area.
Pros
- Easily find and connect with people who share your interests
Cons
- Limited to specific locations and may have membership fees
3.
Neighborly
Neighborly is a community-based app designed to connect neighbors and build stronger, more supportive neighborhoods. Users can utilize the platform to find local events, share recommendations for local businesses, ask for help or offer assistance, and connect with others in their area. Whether it's organizing a block party, finding a babysitter, or simply getting to know the people next door, Neighborly aims to foster a sense of community and neighborly support. The app provides a safe and inclusive space for neighbors to come together, share resources, and create a more connected and cohesive neighborhood.
Pros
- Community connections
- support network
- help with tasks
Cons
- Privacy concerns
- potential conflicts
- dependency
4.
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are online communities where people with similar interests can connect and share content, ideas, and experiences. Users can join public or private groups based on their hobbies, professions, or social causes. Group members can engage in discussions, ask for advice, and organize events or meetups. Admins and moderators can manage the group's content and membership, and set rules and guidelines for participation. Facebook Groups provide a platform for like-minded individuals to come together and form meaningful connections and relationships.
Pros
- Community building
- networking
- support
Cons
- Privacy concerns
- potential for misinformation
- spam
5.
VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is an online platform that connects individuals with volunteer opportunities in their local community. It provides a database of non-profit organizations and their volunteer needs, allowing users to search for opportunities based on their interests, skills, and availability. VolunteerMatch also offers tools for non-profits to recruit and manage volunteers, as well as resources for individuals looking to make a positive impact in their community. With over 100,000 participating organizations and millions of active users, VolunteerMatch is a valuable resource for both volunteers and non-profits seeking to make a difference.
Pros
- Easy to use
- connects volunteers with opportunities
Cons
- Limited to certain areas
- may not have a wide variety of options
6.
Change.org
Change.org is a popular online platform that empowers people to create and sign petitions for social and political change. It allows individuals to mobilize support for a wide range of issues, from environmental conservation to human rights and beyond. The platform has been used to bring attention to important causes and has been instrumental in influencing policy change and corporate practices. Change.org provides a space for individuals to have their voices heard and to make a difference in their communities and the world at large.
Pros
- Platform for social change
- easy to use
- wide reach
Cons
- Overwhelming amount of petitions
- some may not gain traction
7.
Patch
Patch is a simple, easy-to-use, and versatile software that allows users to edit and modify digital images. With an intuitive interface and powerful tools, Patch is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced photo editors. The software offers a wide range of features, including layering, cropping, and color correction, allowing users to enhance and manipulate their images with ease. Whether you're looking to touch up a family photo or create stunning digital artwork, Patch provides the tools and flexibility needed to achieve professional-looking results.
Pros
- Convenient
- customizable
- easy to apply
Cons
- Can cause skin irritation
- may not adhere well to certain surfaces
8.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a global platform that allows users to discover, create, and promote events. From conferences and music festivals to fundraisers and networking events, Eventbrite helps event organizers and attendees connect in a seamless and user-friendly way. The platform provides a range of tools for event management, ticketing, and promotion, making it easy for organizers to plan and execute successful events. With its user-friendly interface and extensive reach, Eventbrite has become a go-to platform for both event organizers and attendees looking to discover and participate in a wide variety of events.
Pros
- Easy event creation
- ticket management
- and promotion
Cons
- Service fees
- limited customization options
- and potential for technical issues
9.
Localist
Localist is a community engagement platform that connects local businesses, organizations, and events with their target audience. It enables users to discover and engage with the local community by providing a centralized platform for finding local events, businesses, and organizations. Localist also offers tools for businesses and organizations to promote their events, drive attendance, and build relationships with their audience. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive database of local activities, Localist aims to foster a sense of community and support local economies.
Pros
- Easy to connect with local events and businesses
Cons
- Limited to specific geographical areas
- may not have comprehensive listings
10.
MyCivicWorkout
MyCivicWorkout is a platform designed to help individuals engage with and understand their local government and civic issues. It provides users with short, daily prompts and activities to encourage civic participation, such as contacting local representatives, attending community meetings, or volunteering for local causes. The platform aims to empower citizens to become more informed and active members of their communities, ultimately leading to a more engaged and responsive local government. MyCivicWorkout strives to make civic engagement accessible and manageable for everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience in local politics.
Pros
- Promotes civic engagement
- easy to use
- offers personalized action plans.
Cons
- Limited in scope
- may not appeal to all demographics