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Strategies for Effective Engagement

Being a successful professional requires creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and to continually have a problem-solving mindset. As a systems thinker, you are expected to engage complex problems from multiple perspectives and different angles, viewing them holistically. This course exposes the student to a variety of tools used to engage stakeholders, collect data, and more deeply understand the community. This course will have three modules. Techniques for Data Collection will reinforce the importance of built trust and rapport with your client and stakeholders, which in turn creates buy in. Students will then learn how to enter a community, conduct rapid assessments to provide a snapshot of the community or organization, and maintain ethical conduct throughout. System Mapping & Analysis will focus on mapping systems and stakeholders, two different techniques that are useful to visualize systems and identify and evaluate a network of stakeholders. Finally, in Conducting Interviews & Surveys, students will learn different techniques to collect information. From focus group interview to one-on-one interviews, to surveys, systems thinkers need a mix of approaches in their toolbox to identify assess needs and assets, engage stakeholders, and collect information throughout all phases of project implementation.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Strategies for Effective Engagement

Systems Mapping and Analysis

System Mapping

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops problem-solving mindset, which is vital for succeeding in any professional sector

Taught by Joel Hartter, who is a respected professional in community engagement

Applies systems thinking, which is a widely adopted and highly recognized framework

Teaches tools used for enhancing stakeholder engagement, which is integral to nearly any project

Covers rapid assessments, which allows learners to efficiently understand communities and organizations

Modules are structured and focused, ensuring that learners can build knowledge progressively

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Reviews summary

Strategies for effective community engagement

Learners say this effective engagement course is helpfull in rethinking strategy. Interactive lectures are well received and engaging. However, learners say the course could use more variation and better material.

Helps learners rethink strategies.

"Very interactive."

"very helpfull to rethink strategies of community engagement"

"Dr. Joel Hartter is an expert in his field."

Could use more variation and better materials.

"Good content, but seems like the course could use better material."

"There should be a greater variation in the format so that it is not exclusively videos with the same teacher."

"There are also many repetitions through the three courses."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Strategies for Effective Engagement with these activities:

Conduct Mock Client Interviews

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Gain practical experience in conducting client interviews to improve communication, active listening, and data gathering skills.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Form small groups and take turns playing the roles of client and interviewer.
Develop a list of potential interview questions and case scenarios.
Record and review the interviews for self-assessment and improvement.

Attend a Systems Thinking Workshop

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Deepen understanding of systems thinking and its application in stakeholder engagement and community development.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify and register for a reputable systems thinking workshop.
Actively participate in the workshop activities and discussions.
Take notes, ask questions, and engage with the facilitator and other participants.
Reflect on the workshop content and consider how to apply it in your own work.

Facilitate a Peer-to-Peer Discussion Group

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Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing by leading discussions on key concepts and challenges in the field.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Identify a topic or issue relevant to the course content.
Recruit a group of peers to participate in the discussion.
Prepare discussion questions and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
Summarize key points and insights from the discussion.
Share the outcomes with the broader class or community.

Four other activities

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Create a Course Study Guide

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Improve knowledge retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing notes, assignments, and other course materials.

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Organize and review your class notes, readings, and assignments.
Summarize key concepts and theories.
Identify areas where you need additional clarification.
Create a comprehensive study guide that covers all the important topics.
Review the study guide regularly and use it to prepare for exams or assessments.

Develop a Community Mapping Report

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Demonstrate comprehension of system mapping and stakeholder analysis by creating a comprehensive community mapping report.

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Identify the target community and define its boundaries.
Conduct stakeholder interviews and gather data on community demographics, assets, and challenges.
Create visual representations of the community using tools like GIS or community mapping platforms.
Analyze the data to identify key stakeholders, power dynamics, and potential partnerships.
Write a comprehensive report summarizing the findings and providing recommendations for community engagement.

Support a New Learner in the Field

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Enhance understanding of the field by supporting a new learner and sharing your knowledge and experience.

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Identify a new learner or mentee who could benefit from your guidance.
Set clear goals and expectations for the mentorship.
Regularly meet with your mentee to provide support, advice, and encouragement.
Share resources and connect your mentee with relevant opportunities.
Reflect on your experience as a mentor and seek feedback to improve your support.

Develop a Case Study on a Stakeholder Engagement Project

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Apply course concepts to a real-world scenario by developing a case study that analyzes a stakeholder engagement project.

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Identify a stakeholder engagement project that you are familiar with.
Gather data and information about the project, including its goals, stakeholders, and outcomes.
Analyze the project using systems thinking principles and identify key lessons learned.
Write a comprehensive case study report that documents your analysis and insights.
Share the case study with others to promote knowledge sharing and best practices.

Career center

Learners who complete Strategies for Effective Engagement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Organizer

A Community Organizer is charged with building strong communities, leading change, and forging relationships with organizations and residents alike. They use various tools, including focus groups, interviews, and surveys, to identify the needs of a community and create a course of action. This course teaches students how to use these tools effectively, understand the needs of a community, and get people involved in various initiatives. This course in particular will be useful because it will help students understand how to engage with organizations and residents, create buy-in, and get people involved in a community plan.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Social Worker

Social Workers play a vital role in helping people navigate difficult life challenges and situations. They work with a variety of populations, including children, families, and the elderly, to provide support and guidance. This course will provide a foundation for working with people from diverse backgrounds and understanding the complex issues they face. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in a career in Social Work as it will help students develop the skills needed to effectively engage with clients, collect data, and analyze systems.

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Program Manager

A Program Manager leads and manages programs or projects and is responsible for achieving program goals within specific parameters. They collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate programs. This course will help Program Managers understand how to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze systems, which will help them make informed decisions about how to improve programs.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They work with a team of people to achieve project goals and objectives. This course will provide students with the skills needed to effectively manage a project and understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and data collection in effective project management. This course would be particularly useful for Project Managers as it will provide them with the tools and techniques needed to effectively engage stakeholders and collect data. This will help them to better plan and execute projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to improve business processes. This course will equip students with the necessary tools and skills to effectively perform these tasks and to excel in a Business Analyst role. This course in particular is valuable because it will give Business Analysts an in-depth understanding of how to engage with stakeholders, conduct surveys, and understand complex business relationships.

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Consultant

Consultants work with organizations to solve problems and improve performance. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to clients. This course will provide students with the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex systems in order to make effective business recommendations.

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Public Administrator

Public Administrators work in government agencies to implement public policy and manage public programs. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs. This course will provide Public Administrators with the necessary skills to effectively engage stakeholders, conduct surveys, and understand complex government relationships.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions. While technical skills are an important aspect of this role, it is also important for Data Analysts to have a strong understanding of how to engage with stakeholders and collect data in a meaningful way. This course will provide Data Analysts with the necessary skills to effectively engage stakeholders, conduct surveys, and analyze complex business relationships.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers study market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions about products and services. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. This course will provide students with the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex business relationships in order to make effective business decisions.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the development and use of land in urban areas. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to improve the quality of life in urban areas. This course will provide Urban Planners with the necessary skills to effectively engage stakeholders, conduct surveys, and analyze complex human and environmental relationships.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of a nonprofit organization. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including fundraising, budgeting, and program development. This course will provide Nonprofit Managers with the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex business relationships in order to make effective decisions about the organization.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. This course will provide Human Resources Managers with the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex business relationships in order to make effective decisions about human capital investments.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to protect the environment. This course will provide Environmental Scientists with a foundational understanding of how to engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex environmental relationships.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to make recommendations to policymakers. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to improve the effectiveness of public policies. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex policy relationships.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for organizations. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, and then make recommendations to improve the sustainability of an organization. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders, collect data, and analyze complex sustainability relationships.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Strategies for Effective Engagement .

Systems Thinking For Social Change

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Provides a comprehensive overview of systems thinking and its application to social change. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the concepts and tools of systems thinking and how they can be used to address complex social problems.

Strategies for Effective Engagement

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Strategies for effective community engagement

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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