Expected outputs

Professional Learning and Development Program:

Participation in workshops and courses aligned with our research themes. For more information, visit the Ako Aotearoa Professional Learning page.

Online Platforms:

Publishing findings on Ako Aotearoa’s Knowledge Centre.

Organising webinars, with specific details to be determined.

Networking and Collaboration:

Using networking opportunities at these events to establish connections and potential collaborations.

Broadening Reach:

Exploring additional dissemination channels such as academic journals, educational blogs, and community newsletters.

Final Report Inclusions:

The final report will include a detailed plan with specific events, dates, and formats.

Outcomes

Key Recommendations for Future Community Engagement Activities:

Strengthen Relationship Building:

Prioritise building solid relationships with community members by fostering trust, active listening, and open communication channels. This foundation of trust will enhance community engagement and ensure long-term collaboration.

Tailor Approaches:

Recognise the diversity within the community and tailor engagement strategies to meet the specific needs, interests, and cultural contexts of different groups. Embrace a flexible, inclusive approach that respects and values all community members' unique perspectives and contributions.

Invest in Capacity Building:

Provide opportunities for capacity building within the community by offering training, workshops, and resources to empower individuals and community organisations. Strengthening their skills and knowledge will enable them to participate in community initiatives actively.

Enhance Communication Strategies:

Develop clear and effective communication strategies that reach all community members. Utilise various channels, including face-to-face meetings, digital platforms, social media, and community networks, to ensure information is accessible and disseminated widely.

Foster Collaboration:

Encourage collaboration and partnerships between community members, organisations, and stakeholders. Create platforms and spaces for dialogue, idea-sharing, and joint decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.

Incorporate Continuous Evaluation and Feedback:

Establish mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and feedback to monitor the effectiveness and impact of community engagement activities. Regularly assess the outcomes and adjust strategies accordingly to ensure continuous improvement.

Empower Underrepresented Groups:

Prioritise the needs and voices of underrepresented and marginalised groups within the community. Take proactive measures to ensure their inclusion, participation, and representation in decision-making processes.

Promote Resource Mobilization:

Seek and secure financial and non-financial resources to support community engagement activities. Actively collaborate with funding agencies, government bodies, and private sector organisations to access resources that align with community priorities.

Foster Sustainable Partnerships:

Build sustainable partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including local government, educational institutions, community organisations, and businesses. By forging strong alliances, stakeholders can share resources and maximise collaborative efforts for long-term community development. This recommendation emphasises building partnerships and fostering collaborative relationships among organisations, community members, and key stakeholders. By working together, pooling resources, and leveraging collective expertise, the community can achieve more significant impact and sustainability in its development initiatives. Collaboration enables sharing of knowledge, skills, and resources, leading to innovative solutions, increased efficiency, and a holistic approach to community development. By actively fostering these alliances, stakeholders can enhance their capacity to address community needs and drive positive change.

Share Best Practices and Lessons Learned:

Encourage exchanging knowledge and spreading successful strategies from productive community engagement activities. Facilitate networking opportunities and platforms where communities can learn from one another's experiences and replicate practical approaches.

Implementing these key recommendations will contribute to more meaningful and impactful community engagement activities, fostering a sense of ownership, empowerment, and sustainable development within the community.