Using inclusive and accessible content will ensure your engagement project has wide reach and resonates across the community. Here's what to keep in mind when designing a community engagement project.
Understand your community
Begin with a thorough understanding of the community you’re engaging. Use surveys, interviews, and data analysis tools to gather insights, and conduct research to identify the various demographics, including:
- age
- language
- ability
- gender
- cultural backgrounds.
Language and communication
Language is a significant barrier to engagement. Here are some tips to ensure everyone can understand the content in your engagement project.
- Offer content in multiple languages. Do this by adding extra project pages with content translated into key language groups.
- Use clear, simple language and avoid jargon. As a guide, aim to use language that can be understood by a 12 year old.
- Visual aids, such as maps, infographics and videos, can convey complex information more easily.
Digital accessibility
District Engage includes built-in accessibility features to help you meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG. This includes:
- providing text alternatives for non-text content
- ensuring your website is navigable by keyboard
- using accessible colours and fonts.
Diverse representation
Ensure that the images, testimonials, and case studies on your website reflect the diversity of your community. Highlight stories and voices from different backgrounds make everyone feel included -this encourages broader participation.
Inclusive participation methods
Not everyone has the same level of digital literacy or access to technology. Offer various ways for community members to engage with your project, such as:
- in-person meetings
- phone calls
- paper surveys
- door knocking
- town hall forums
- pop-up stalls
- community events.
Addressing barriers to participation
What are the barriers that prevent people from participating in community engagement projects?
- Inaccessible meeting locations
- Lack of public or private transport
- Inconvenient work schedules
- Lack of child care
- Need for language interpreters
- Lack of trust in engagement process
Providing sign language interpreters, transportation assistance, or childcare during meetings to remove any obstacles.
Feedback and continuous improvement
Continuously improve your engagement efforts by making adjustments based on community feedback. Build trust and encourage ongoing participation by demonstrating that you listen to feedback and and act on it.
Training and support
Give your team training on cultural competency, digital accessibility, and effective communication strategies. Use District Engage's resources and support features to enhance your team’s capabilities and confidence in managing diverse engagement projects.
The key to successful engagement is making sure every voice is heard and valued. Understand your community, use digital tools with accessible features, and champion representation and inclusivity, to create impactful engagement projects that resonate with everyone.
With features that simplify the process of creating inclusive and accessible projects, District Engage can to help you build stronger, more connected communities.