5 simple way to engage with your community

A lot of projects in the public sector require some element of community engagement or consultation.

I worked with Kāpiti Coast District Council on their Waikanae Library and Community Hub community engagement. They wanted to find out what was important to people and which of three possible options the community preferred.

Here are five simple ideas we used in the Kapiti Coast District Council pop-up engagement centre.

1. Activities for all ages

   In the pop-up space there were option tokens, a council representative available for questions and colouring in supplies.

   

2. Large format posters

   
   

3. Feedback options

   A large poster was created for each objective. Questions were posed and there was plenty of space for post it note comments. More feedback could also be provided in the summary document, on the hard copy feedback forms or online.

   

4. Pull up banners

   
   

5. Information to takeaway
   

   We created a summary brochure and bookmarks. Both included a QR code that linked to more information on the website with options to give feedback.

   

The community engagement was a real success with lots of people providing their view, opinions and comments.

One great feature was leaving post it note comments up for the duration of the engagement. This meant people could see and read others views and opinions. Which in turn generated discussion.

Kapiti Coast District Council agreed to the option selected by 50% of the respondents, and will refurbish the former library. The building will be developed into a modern library and community hub that will provide a warm and welcoming multi-functional space.

(Image credit: Kapiti Coast District Council)