Traditional community engagement often falls into a predictable pattern: organizations repeatedly ask marginalized communities about their needs, but struggle to create meaningful change based on those responses. Personally, I have heard multiple conversations where the lack of transportation is a barrier to accessing services. However, the solutions are bus passes, Uber rides, or some other method that does not improve the local transportation system. Repeatedly asking these questions over and over, can result in frustration that can lead to nonparticipation in future data collection activities. An ‘engagement fatigue” emerges when being asked the same questions without seeing tangible results. The cycle of assessment without action has created justified skepticism in many communities.
A more effective approach starts with action rather than endless assessment. This means designing specific interventions based on existing knowledge, testing them in real-world conditions, and learning from the results. For example, if service providers know something is wrong in the system, rather than ask someone else about what is needed, work together to create innovative solutions that address systemic challenges directly, moving from passive listening to active problem-solving. Then create the engagement.
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Consider the typical community needs assessment process. Organizations might spend months gathering survey responses and hosting focus groups, only to produce reports that sit on shelves. Instead, imagine starting with a specific challenge – like improving access to mental health services – and designing a pilot program based on what we already know about barriers to access. This might involve creating mobile services, implementing evening hours, or establishing transportation support. Then start asking for feedback about whether this change matters.
The key is creating genuine partnerships with those most impacted by the systems we’re seeking to change. This shifts the dynamic from consultation to collaboration, bringing together service providers, community members, and stakeholders to co-create solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. It means involving community members in program implementation, evaluation, and adaptation from the beginning.