Civic Engagement 101 for Nonprofits: Top 10 Tips
Civic engagement lies at the heart of nonprofit work, empowering communities, fostering democracy, and amplifying voices often unheard. During our session on 10 Things Nonprofits Need to Know About Civic Engagement, Louroz Mercader drew upon his extensive experience in city building, public engagement, and nonprofit leadership to provide invaluable insights into effective civic engagement strategies for nonprofits.
Learn how as a nonprofit, you can enhance community involvement, bridge gaps in government services, and amplify the voices of your stakeholders. Gain actionable knowledge to enhance your own organization's impact. Louroz shared tips for nonprofit civic engagement, offering practical guidance and perspectives to help your board navigate the complexities of community engagement.
From fostering partnerships to leveraging community strengths, read on to how to engage effectively with your community and drive positive change.
10 Things Nonprofits Need to Know About Civic Engagement
Louroz outlined a step-by-step process to support social purpose organizations.
1. Conduct an Environmental Scan
Understanding the landscape is crucial. Identify the key players, including government officials, stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and think tanks. Determine why your organization is taking the lead on a specific issue and how you can make a difference. Thorough research and an in-depth understanding of the current environment will guide your strategies.
2. Conduct 1-on-1 Meetings
Engage directly with individuals and organizations that share your goals. Initiating conversations with those already working on similar issues can provide valuable insights and foster collaboration. These meetings are essential for building a strong foundation for your civic engagement efforts.
3. Define the End Game
Be clear and specific about what you aim to achieve. Outline a timeline with key milestones to keep your team focused and motivated. Setting clear goals will help you measure progress and adjust strategies as needed.
4. Recruit and Onboard
Seek out volunteers, organizations, or institutions that align with your mission and values. Engaging these supporters early on will help build a committed core team, essential for driving your civic engagement initiatives forward.
5. Stay Informed
Stay updated with the latest news and developments related to your cause. Follow media sources, influencers, politicians, and institutions that shape public opinion. Keeping informed will help you stay relevant and effectively advocate for your issues.
6. Learn the Other Side
Understanding opposing viewpoints is critical. Engage with people who hold different opinions, listen to their perspectives, and research statistics that can help you build a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. This approach fosters empathy and strengthens your arguments.
7. Foster Relationships
Identify the elected officials or groups you need to influence. Understand their districts, constituencies, and stances on your issue. Building relationships with key players is essential for effective advocacy.
8. Engage Effectively
Be proactive in communicating with local officials and organizations. Prepare specific asks and develop a robust social media campaign to amplify your message. Effective engagement requires clear communication and a strategic approach.
9. Grow the Community
Continuously invite and recruit new volunteers, supporters, and stakeholders. Building a coalition of like-minded individuals and organizations will amplify your efforts and drive your mission forward.
10. Strength in Numbers
Organize your base of volunteers and supporters effectively. Leverage social media to mobilize and represent your ideas. A well-organized and active community can significantly impact public opinion and policy.
Want the full recording of this session?
Join our online membership to get access to this and all of our live sessions. From full recordings to monthly mentorship sessions and support for your organization, find out more about our membership.
Louroz’s Takeaways for the Community
It’s never too late or early to start advocating for what you believe in.
Begin the discussion and seek solutions to both small and large issues today.
Connect with your community and initiate positive change.
Looking for training or support with civic engagement?
You’re in the right place. Connect with The Good Growth Company team for training, consulting or an intro to our experts.
If you’re looking for ongoing mentorship and support for your organization, you can also join our membership — the recording from this session is available in there now!
