How to Increase Community Involvement‍

 

Community involvement is what makes a community, neighborhood or homeowners association successful. Increasing community involvement and engagement work go hand-in-hand. Without engagement, you cannot expect residents or members to be involved.

Unfortunately, getting residents or members engaged and involved isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and, most importantly, consistency.  

When residents or members are engaged, they understand and agree with the community's objectives. Although engagement helps increase productivity and morale, it may not always increase involvement.

When residents or members are involved, they exercise the objectives of the neighborhood or community by volunteering or participating in community events or on boards and committees. Involvement is what makes engagement so successful.     

There are three primary tools for increasing community involvement are communication, outreach and recognition.

Communication is an essential part of what helps maintain a positive environment and helps residents or members feel engaged and welcomed.

Outreach allows newer residents or members the opportunity to connect their ideas and efforts to help better serve the community.

When people observe something that brings benefit and reward, they are twice as likely to "get involved."

Why is community involvement important?

When residents or members take more of an active role in the community, they are more likely to be engaged with the community's objectives and help drive positive change in the community.

Keeping residents or members longer also drives up property values, increases social capital and individual profits, and helps retain residents longer, creating a more stable community or neighborhood.

Four ways are often pointed to as increasing community involvement: technology, community participation, praise and encouragement and connection events.

Technology plays a role because it allows members to connect and communicate more openly and consistently. It can also help reduce the daily responsibilities requested of volunteers that lead to burnout.

High community participation will require boards and committees must be prepared to offer more opportunities for everyone to participate.

Praise and encouragement make people feel part of a team  and lead to community involvement. People want to be recognized for their hard work.

Try bringing the community or neighborhood together through a fun event or service opportunity where they can connect and get to know their neighbors.

Want some examples that exist to help build connections in our community?

Sign-up for Rooting Republic and connect with others over gardening at https://bit.ly/RootedRepublic.

Get on the email list for the Republic Neighborhood Alliance and find ways to connect in and with your neighbors or provide leadership to your neighborhood. You can sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RepMoNeighbor.

Consider establishing a Neighborhood Watch where you live to connect more with the local police department and officers. Republic residents, keep watching this space for more information on this option.