Citizen Participation
Getting people to participate can be challenging. However, for the needs assessment process widespread citizen participation is key. Use some of the citizen participation strategies below to invite stakeholders to participate in assessing the needs of your city. Visit the Starting a Needs Assessment section for methods for effectively gathering information.
Citizen Participation Strategies
Get the word out through:
- Announcements at public forums, meetings, etc., especially those held in locations that are accessible to the community you’re trying to reach, such as:
- faith institutions
- libraries
- nonprofits
- schools
- neighborhood/community association meetings
- Memos, newsletter blurbs, relevant blogs, and e-mail alerts via message blasts and LISTSERVs
- Social networking sites like The Blueprint for Change, CollectiveX, Facebook, Twitter, and Meetup.
- Mobile applications and text messages
- The city’s website and/or blog
- 311 call lines
- Media announcements via press releases, newspaper and magazine articles, television reports, radio spots, etc.
- Neighborhood-to-neighborhood, door-to-door grassroots outreach
- Formal networks, such as
- block captains
- school systems communications (report cards, progress reports, and newsletters)
- utility bill mailings
- Census worker visits
- business associations
- universities, colleges, and trade schools
- Informal networks in communities, such as
- beauty salons
- barbershops
- Corner/grocery store
