Community Engagement Toolkit

Written By John Lynch

Community engagement is a crucial aspect of successful SEC projects. It involves actively involving and empowering community members to participate in your SECs project, making sure that it’s aligned with the communities needs.

This toolkit will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to effectively engage your community in decarbonisation projects, with a focus on building trust, showcasing the benefits of retrofitted homes, and prioritising your communities needs.

Map out your community

  • Start by identifying key stakeholders in your community, such as residents, local businesses, community organisations, and government representatives.

  • Spend time understanding the needs of your specific community. Decide on a focus area for your project based on the demographics, lifestyles and

The personal connection

  • Involve local champions and spokespeople to speak with the community about retrofitting or decarbonisation efforts, to build trust.

  • Consider the importance of face-to-face conversations and personal connections within the community. Prioritise engaging with community members directly and building relationships based on trust and familiarity.

Focus on the human benefits, not just cost saving measures

  • Develop a clear and concise message about your project's goals and benefits, emphasising the human needs and quality of life improvements that come with a retrofitted home.

Be honest - warts ‘n’ all!

  • Organise community gatherings, house visits, or small group meetings to have honest discussions about the challenges and benefits of energy upgrades, showcasing the real-life experiences of community members.

Partner with your community organisations

  • Collaborate with local organisations, schools, universities, and businesses to leverage their resources, expertise, and networks.

Create Community Events

  • Organise community events that allow for hands-on experiences and demonstrations, highlighting the tangible benefits of energy upgrades beyond financial savings.

  • Encourage community members to share their personal stories and experiences with retrofitted homes, emphasising the improved comfort, health, and overall quality of life.

  • Provide opportunities for community members to ask questions, express concerns, and receive personalised advice and guidance.

Establish Community Working Groups

  • Set up working groups focused on specific aspects of the project, and invite interested community members to join these groups and contribute their skills, knowledge, and ideas.

  • Facilitate regular meetings to discuss progress, share updates, and assign tasks, ensuring that the focus remains on meeting the communities needs and improving quality of life.

Empower Community Ambassadors

  • Identify passionate individuals within the community who can serve as ambassadors for the project.

  • Provide training and support to these ambassadors to enhance their communication skills and empower them to engage with their neighbours and build trust.

  • Encourage them to organise informal gatherings, coffee mornings, or neighborhood walks to facilitate conversations and create a supportive network within the community.

Foster Collaboration and Dialogue

  • Organise regular community forums or town hall meetings to facilitate open discussions and dialogue, prioritising the sharing of personal experiences and emotions related to energy upgrades.

  • Create a safe and inclusive space for community members to express their opinions, ask questions, and provide suggestions.

  • Actively listen to community concerns and incorporate their ideas into project planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that the focus remains on meeting human needs and improving quality of life.

Celebrate your wins!

  • Recognise and celebrate milestones and achievements throughout the project implementation, highlighting the positive impact on the community's well-being and quality of life.

  • Share success stories that showcase the emotional and experiential aspects of retrofitted homes, emphasising the comfort, health, and happiness of community members.

  • Use various platforms, such as social media, newsletters, and local press, to share these successes with the wider community, reinforcing the positive outcomes of community engagement.

Continuously Evaluate and Improve

  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your community engagement strategies and activities, seeking feedback from community members on their emotional and experiential journey throughout the project.

  • Adapt and refine your approach based on this feedback, ensuring that the focus remains on meeting human needs and improving quality of life.

  • Continuously communicate and reinforce the emotional and experiential benefits of retrofitted homes to maintain community engagement and support.

To be meaningfully engaged with the community that you work with requires ongoing effort, active listening, and a big focus on meeting your communities needs.

By following these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation for successful decarbonisation projects in your community, that resonate with your community and improve their quality of life, and the sense of connection with their neighbours and environment!

John Lynch