Case Study: Community Engagement + Communications

Case Study: Community Engagement + Communications

Cover Image Photo By: Jeffrey Wehe

There is a community here in Minneapolis that recently underwent a name change. Lake Calhoun is now Bde Maka Ska. It is the largest lake in the City of Minneapolis.

As you can imagine, this name change also affects Community Organizations who used the old “Calhoun” to clearly identify their geographic location.

The East Calhoun Community Organization is using best practices when it comes to Community Engagement.

First: Transparency

They sent out a survey asking community members their preferences as it related to a name change. They then shared the exact results of that survey using a post-card, including those who voted and those who did not to ensure that everyone remains informed:

East Calhoun Neighborhood Association Side 1.png

Second: Open Ended Questions

In addition to asking for suggestions for a new name, they also pose a series of open ended questions to help people connect with the desired impact of the new name. The questions include:

(1) How do you describe where you live to people in other neighborhoods?

(2) What feature about the neighborhood is most distinguishing or important to you?

(3) What brand you you want our neighborhood to have?

(4) What name will make it lear to people in other parts of Minneapolis where we are located?

(5) What name will you identify with and cherish?

These are all very good questions, not just for the residents of East Calhoun, but for any community to consider as it relates to the community narrative. So often these ideas are shaped by outsiders - politicians, media, etc. It is empowering for community members to own and shape their own narrative(s).

Third: Multi-Platform/Modes of Engagement

Not everybody is online and some people do not have the time to devote to face-to-face interactions. When thinking about your stakeholders, consider what you can do to make it EASY for them to engage with you. in the case of the East Calhoun Community Organizations they are inviting feedback online, in person and by mail.

Fourth: Clear Timeline

It is important to communicate deadlines so that people can plan accordingly AND to ensure that the deadline is far enough in advance that people have enough time to engage.

Also, be as transparent as possible about the process - what is happening next?

Fifth: How Can You Be Reached

In addition to the multiple platforms provided, they also include a contact name, phone number and e-mail. This is important so that people can know who is in charge. From a Project Management Perspective, it is important to clearly identify the Coordinator or Manager for community engagement projects.

East Calhoun Neighborhood Association Side 2 1.png

We’ve always got our ears & eyes open for best practices as it relates to Project Management, Communications and Capacity Building. If you come across something that is excellent or you’d like to invite us to do a quick case study please e-mail donnie@workwithdonnie.org.

Also, we specialize in Community Engagement Strategy! E-mail us to set up a Discovery Session to explore how we can support you today.