Most communities address social and economic problems with only a small amount of their total capacity. Much community capacity is not used and is needed! This is the challenge and opportunity of community engagement. Everyone in a community has something to offer. There is no one we don’t need. 

5. PEOPLE CARE ABOUT SOMETHING. 

Agencies and neighborhood groups often complain about apathy. 
Apathy is a sign of bad listening. People in communities are motivated to act. The challenge is to discover their motivation to act.

6. MOTIVATION TO ACT 

must be identified. People who are not paid as staff will only act when it is very important. People will act on certain themes strongly felt; concerns to address, dreams to realize, and personal talents to contribute. Every community is filled with invisible “motivation for action”. Listen for it.

7. LISTENING CONVERSATION

 In 1:1 dialogue or in small group conversations is how to discover 
motivation and invite participation. Forms, surveys and asset maps can be useful to guide intentional listening and relationship building. Mapping is not a substitute for listening and talking face to face. 

8. ASK, ASK, ASK .

Once a person’s possible ‘gifts to give’ and ‘motivations to act’ are 
recognized; an opportunity to act must be offered. Asking and inviting are key community building actions. “Join us. We need you.” This is the song of community. 

 

Revised: January 19, 2007