How can you involve marginalized groups in urban regeneration projects?

Inclusive community engagement can involve marginalized groups in urban regeneration projects, provide accessible information, create safe spaces for participation and offer capacity-building opportunities; it may also collaborate with community organizations to incorporate diverse perspectives, equitably allocate resources and monitor inclusivity.

Use statistical data to find who your marginalised groups are in the specific area you're wanting to do the work. Remember low numbers of a groups doesn't always mean marginalised - lack of safe access to appropriate health, education, employment and housing and community/belonging are signs that you're looking for. Then walk the streets and talk to local community organisations who know the people. Did you miss anyone? Who do the statistics miss? Learn about what you need to be culturally aware of when working in the community. How can you create a safe space so that you don't miss these people too?

Involving marginalized groups in urban regeneration projects requires proactive engagement and inclusive planning processes. This can be achieved by setting up accessible platforms for dialogue, such as community workshops and public consultations, where their voices are heard and valued. Establishing partnerships with local organizations that represent these groups can also facilitate direct involvement and ensure their interests are integrated into project plans. Providing education and capacity-building opportunities empowers these communities to actively participate in decision-making.

When you do participatory processes, it is very easy to fall into the trap of reaching out to communities and believing that you have the absolute truth, that you know what you are doing. It is important to also get involved with the culture, traditions and ways of life of the places where you go.

Um projeto de 2020, intitulado "ReabilitaCão", realizado no Complexo Penitenciário do Vale do Itajaí/SC, permite que presos aprendam práticas no cuidado aos animais - principalmente cães abandonados e vítima de maus tratos - para conseguirem um diploma na reinserção ao trabalho. Os detentos que passaram pelo projeto não voltaram para a prisão. Tal projeto ajuda neste problema social que tem impactos negativos na saúde e bem-estar dos próprios animais e das comunidade em que vivem.

This can be achieved by establishing inclusive forums and workshops that provide a platform for their voices and concerns to be heard. Engaging local community organizations and leaders as intermediaries can help build trust and facilitate communication between marginalized groups and project developers. Incorporating elements of co-design and co-creation, where community members have a say in the design and implementation of projects, ensures that the regeneration initiatives reflect their needs and aspirations. Providing capacity-building and training opportunities can enable marginalized individuals to participate more effectively and even gain employment in the regeneration projects.