| Program Start-Up: The Stakeholder Table |
Context: |
| Involving key voices from the community is critical to project success. When diverse community members engage in program planning and management, a more balanced view of existing assets and community needs emerges. Furthermore, a project that is community-driven rather than individually-driven is much more likely to be sustainable because of its broader base of support. Community engagement can take many forms. Some partners may want to take part in day-to-day program operations, while others may prefer to use their influence in the community to leverage resources. This is a useful activity for staff or community leaders who are starting up new volunteer programs, but it can also be used as a self-reflection activity for staff at existing programs. |
Goals: |
- To understand the critical importance of community engagement
- To identify key partners
- To introduce the concept of shared power and generate discussion about how it can be realized
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Activity: |
| As a large group, discuss the importance of community engagement to volunteer programs. Pass out the Stakeholder Table Worksheet and ask participants to fill each chair (represented by the smaller inner circles) with a representative from their community whom they feel has a stake in—or could influence—the success of the program. Suggest that they choose partners who: |
- represent multiple perspectives,
- have the power to leverage efforts, and/or
- have a commitment to and passion for the program and its goals.
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| Have participants complete the worksheet silently and then share with a neighbor. |
Key Questions and Points to Remember: |
- What are some of the differences among the partners you have selected?
- Did you get any new ideas for partners to include?
- As a program director, are you willing to share power with every person around that table to create the vision for your project?
- Can you envision important roles for each person around that table to play?
- Why is this important?
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 Download the Stakeholder Table Worksheet. |
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Developed by LEARNS, a partnership of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (1-800-361-7890) and Bank Street College of Education (1-800-930-5664). For additional activities or assistance, please call. |
