Community Engagement
| '…the link between knowledge and implementing change
is strongest when people who are expected to implement change
are involved in developing the knowledge that provides the capacity
to act….' |
Local government is the sector of government that is closest to
and in constant contact with the community. There are many opportunities
to involve the community in issues concerning transport, and continued
engagement should enable better outcomes with greater acceptance
for implementation.
Building more sustainable transport practices will require significant
changes to well established daily practice. The community can be
reluctant to accept change unless convinced that outcomes are in
their broader best interest. A community engagement program can:
- Inform and build interest
- Develop understanding of the complex problems and environmental
threats
- Tap into a broad range of solutions
- Align the community
- Develop a support base for implementation
- Build resilience to better manage challenges and sustain commitment
- Increase capacity throughout the community on transport issues
A recent DSE / DPI publication, 'Effective Community Engagement'
draws together the work of many practitioners in the field and presents
a 'Wheel of Engagement' to identify progressive steps in a participation
program, as follows
- Inform - communicate information to the community
- Consult - seek the opinion of the community
- Involve - community participation in decision making and action
- Empower - community shares decision making and power
Local governments can do much to build community engagement with
sustainable transport, below are key suggestions with more resources
and examples in the library:
What local governments
can do
Local governments can find themselves extending their role in
transport when acting in community best interest. Additional activities
may not be expensive and can provide a real local benefit.
Institutions
and agencies
A summary of the roles of federal, state and other agencies
Available tools
and resources
There are a number of useful resources to help local governments
Learn from others
Look at work done elsewhere to get ideas for your area.
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