Inform Consult Involve Collaborate/ partner Empower Community engagement goal To provide the community with balanced, objective information to assist them in understanding the problem, alternative opportunities and/or solutions. To obtain community feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions. To work directly with the community throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered. To partner with the community in each aspect of the decision, including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. To the final decision in the hands of the community. Commitment to the community We will keep you informed. We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations and provide feedback on how influenced the decision. We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how your input influenced the decision. We will look to you for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible. We will implement what you decide. Examples Websites, fact sheets, letters, media releases, signage and social media. Targeted mail out, feedback, online surveys, submissions and meetings. Facilitated workshops, forums, ideas and issue identification. Partnerships, committees, meetings, grant funding, and reference groups. Citizen juries, co-production, participatory strategic planning, board members.
Emails, social websites, newspapers, newsletters, word-of-mouth, advertisements and public notices are common ways that the Government communicates with the community. However, no one method should be relied upon solely. Many different communication methods can be effective, depending on the geographic area, the purpose and who you want to target. Suggestions include: bulk mail outs childcare/school newsletters displays in community and neighbourhood centres/houses doctor surgeries, hospitals and community health centres and email networks face-to-face find local champions or relevant service providers to assist flyers through committees and community organisations Agency intranets Internet and websites letter/newsletter drops local and major newspapers niche publications networks of interest personalised invitations calls posters in shop windows presentation at meetings (parents and friends, service provider meetings, progress associations, service clubs) public notices radio advertisements and broadcasts TV news shows Service Tasmania word of mouth via third parties. Email is often an easy and preferred way of communication. However, it is important to be aware that households that are without a computer or Internet access may be excluded from opportunities to engage. Also it is not uncommon for emails to be unintentionally deleted or left unread. Communication planning A perceived lack of communication from the Government to the community about engagement opportunities is a significant issue and challenge. Communities can feel that there is often not enough engagement or publicity for engagement opportunities. To address this a communication plan must be developed to outline the: clear messages about the reason for engagement; the target audience (stakeholder analysis); and effective communication channels. More than one channel of communication can be used. Depending on the project and legislative requirements, this may include a mix of public notices, emailing networks,