The document discusses strategies for effective community engagement and moving from temporary engagement tools to more sustained plans and systems. It outlines tactics that have been successful, such as proactive recruitment, bringing together diverse groups, and using online tools to complement in-person engagement. However, more permanent and holistic forms of engagement are needed to address inequities, increase community attachment, and give residents a stronger voice in decision-making on an ongoing basis. Elements like regular meetings, cultural exchanges, and dedicated community spaces can help foster sustained civic participation.

1. The crossroads of community engagement: Moving from temporary tools to sustained plans and systems Community Engagement Leadership Institute Los Angeles, CA January 11, 2012

2. The Deliberative Democracy Consortium

19. Successes, limitations of engagement so far Why do it: Make a decision or plan in a reasonable way Get more people working on the issue Build trust Successes: When done well, meets all three goals above Gives new leaders a chance to step forward Challenges: Takes lots of time (especially recruitment) Hard to sustain (not designed to be sustained) May meet goals of ‘engagers,’ but not ‘engaged’ Doesn’t often change the institutions Trust, relationships fade over time

25. Community engagement planners should consider some key building blocks: :