Community Engagement 

Look within yourself, your communities, and your existing resources by asking…

• What communities and service structures (boards, affinity or parent organizations, etc.) are you a part of? Are they managing any projects you could support?

• What are your values? What are the local, regional, or national issues where you want to see change? Are there organizations around you with a mission that aligns with these values?

• Have you been the recipient of community engagement projects? What elements of the experience were positive? Negative? Could (and should) you contribute in this way?

• What do you have to contribute? Time, expertise, networks, something else?

Consider searching nonprofit networks like United Way, convening a group of local alumni interested in community engagement, putting out a call for community engagement opportunities via BRAVO, or finding Brown alumni working in the non-profit sector in your area by searching BrownConnect (select “Advanced Search”, enter your city or state, and check the box next to “Non-profit” in the sector list). Still unsure of where to begin? Inquire with local municipalities about community clean-ups, consider if there are local organizations that could use your professional services pro bono, or ask local schools if they could use help with academic or infrastructure projects. 

Tips for ongoing success

• Identify a board member to champion the club’s community engagement efforts by organizing projects or by maintaining momentum and delegating organizing duties. 

• Organize a variety of projects that meet the interests and capacity of a variety of members.

• Consider partnering with IVY+ in your area.

Approach organizations with humility and minimize the strain on their capacity by asking…

• Do you possess the skills that the organization has indicated they are looking for?

• Are you reaching out via the organization’s preferred contact method? Do they post opportunities with a volunteer management organization (like United Way) or other channels? Do they have a volunteer manager role within their staff? Does someone in your network have an existing relationship who could facilitate a warm handoff? 

• Are you minimizing back and forth in your communications and remaining flexible?

Tips for ongoing success

• Delegate one or two points of contact to liaise with the organization.

• Find out about spacing or other limitations that might necessitate a participation cap.

Engender meaningful and respectful engagement by asking…

• Have you learned about the organization's mission, constituents, programs, priorities, and history? Are you familiar with laws, policies, and protocols applicable to volunteers?

• Have you reviewed the Brown CAN Guide to Meaningful Community Engagement?

• Have you confirmed all logistical details of implementation including timing, location, supplies, and appropriate attire? Does the organization need a count of anticipated participants? Is the setting accessible to everyone or are there accommodations that can be made for people with mobility limitations or other disabilities? 

Tips for ongoing success

• Adequately promote the project by giving enough notice and sending reminders. Refer to the Marketing/Communications page for tips on messaging alumni in your area.

• Be clear about all logistical details including whether children or pets are welcome and any accessibility limitations.

• Ask that all participants review the Brown CAN Guide to Meaningful Community Engagement and any materials provided by the organization. 

Celebrate the collective impact of the organization and your contribution by… 

• Sharing your feedback of this guide and your experience with BrownCAN@brown.edu.

• Sending photos (along with signed release forms) to BrownCAN@brown.edu.

• Promoting the organization's work and your engagement with them on social media and in your personal and professional networks. Be sure to review the organization's related policies and only share approved information or photos.

Tips for ongoing success

• Encourage fellow participants to submit photos they’ve taken (along with signed release forms).

• Consider pairing community engagement with a more social component and an opportunity to reflect on your community engagement experience. 

• Keep a record of projects including contact information and anything else that would be helpful to future organizers.