Rodrigo Malta’s Post

Community engagement makes funders, government officials, and employers feel good, but what difference does it make without direct power or influence over decisions by those most affected, especially those communities historically disenfranchised? Can equity in policies and practices be achieved without equity in power? Read our thoughts.

Community service is essential for employees and organizations. By giving back to the community you serve with your business, you’re increasing the well-being of everyone as a whole. https://lnkd.in/g5c8-C9u

How do we truly understand #community #engagement in today’s world? 🔍 In my role as a communications professional working in the social impact sector, I’m always on the lookout for research that helps me understand the evolving landscape of community engagement and the pivotal role #communication plays in this space. The recent Community Compass report by 89 Degrees East offers invaluable insights into #Australians' #attitudes and #engagement with the #communitysector. Definitely worth a read. 🔍 My Key Findings: 📌 Willingness to contribute: Many Australians want to volunteer but are unsure which organisations to join or the impact they can make. 📌 Perception of impact: A significant number of people believe community organisations are crucial in addressing societal gaps left by the government and private sector. 📌 Barriers to engagement: Time constraints, lack of awareness and really knowing if their volunteering or donations make a difference and show impact are major hurdles preventing people from getting more involved. It’s reassuring to know that the desire to contribute is there, but it’s clear we need to guide them better as #communication professionals. How? Here are my thoughts: 🎯 For Communications Professionals: 📍 Targeted Messaging: Tailor your strategies to address the specific concerns and motivations of different audience segments identified in the report. 📍 Awareness Campaigns: Focus on educating potential volunteers about the available opportunities and the tangible impact of their contributions. 📍 Overcoming Barriers: Develop initiatives to simplify the volunteering process and showcase relatable success stories to inspire confidence and participation. Little side note: There’s also a decline in values like #fairness and #equality – principles that #Australians have traditionally taken pride in. It’s a reminder of the shifting social landscape and the need for our communications to reinforce these values, showing how community involvement can uphold and strengthen them. Staying on top of such #research not only enhances our communication strategies but also reinforces our role in strengthening community ties and fostering a more engaged society. Any suggestions for more reads? Bring them on 😀 #CommunityEngagement #Volunteering #SocialImpact #ResearchInsights #CommunityCompass #givingback

Community engagement can lead to powerful community-led programs that meet resident needs. But there are good ways and not-so-good ways to engage: https://bit.ly/3TDRV69

Absolute must watch for anyone involved in community development or in anyway working with people. I identify strongly with the urge in my role to 'do to' rather than 'do with and for' communities in Swindon. It's a massive source of friction as a professional just wanting to do all you can, looking first at what's wrong but I think this paradigm shift towards what's strong is what will drastically improve things in the long-term. Not to mention relieve huge pressures financially for the organisations paid to help these communities! It all seems backwards when you think about it! Question is, do we have the courage and faith to take the long-view, commit to 'difficult to measure' outcomes like trust and adopt an approach that stops looking at people as 'service users' or 'clients' but rather friends or neighbours. Food for thought on a Friday...

The Missing Piece: The Continuing Absence of Volunteering from the new National Performance Framework Outcomes? Yet again, volunteering seems to be overlooked in the NPF. While national performance frameworks meticulously map out economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, they seem to fail to recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteers. This absence not only skews our understanding of societal progress but also undermines the very essence of community resilience and cohesion. Volunteering is the lifeblood of our society, acting as a catalyst for positive change across diverse sectors. Volunteers play an indispensable role in providing aid during crises, supporting people during times of vulnerability, conserving natural resources, or fostering cultural exchange. Yet, despite their tireless efforts and significant impact, the absence of volunteering from the new NPF framework sends a disheartening message to volunteers. One reason for this gap may stem from the challenge of quantifying the value of volunteering in conventional metrics. Unlike GDP or employment rates, volunteers' contributions often defy easy measurement but are invaluable. Moreover, overlooking volunteering neglects its profound socio-economic benefits. Volunteering fosters social inclusion, builds social capital, and strengthens community ties. It enhances mental well-being, boosts employability, and reduces healthcare costs. By excluding volunteering from the NPF outcomes, we fail to acknowledge these benefits and miss opportunities for strategic investment and policy development for our sector. It's time for a paradigm shift. NPF must evolve to reflect the holistic nature of societal progress, one that embraces the contributions of volunteers. This includes investing in volunteer infrastructure, promoting volunteerism across all sectors, and ensuring equitable access to volunteering opportunities. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of volunteering and celebrating volunteers' achievements is essential to further fostering a culture of civic engagement and social responsibility. In conclusion, the absence of volunteering from national performance frameworks is not just a statistical oversight; it's a reflection of our value of volunteers. To build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies, we must recognize and value the contributions of volunteers as integral to our collective well-being. Only then can we truly measure what matters and strive for a brighter future for all, a starring role, not a few lines in the margins. Sarah Latto Kirsten Hogg Ash Kuloo Allana Mullen Richard Jennings Paul Okroj. OBE Jane O'Donnell JP Marks CB https://lnkd.in/d7mh8Ped

Do you hide behind buzzwords? 🐝 In order to create space for creativity and a genuine knowledge exchange, our Innovation Hub is developing community within Community Development. In 15 organisations across five countries in the Pacific, Asia and Africa, Gabriele Rukas held a Community Volunteer Management Learning Module to put the idea of connecting beyond buzzwords into practice. ‘I thought I didn't know anything about the formal volunteering, until you bridged the gap… and showed that my experience is valid’ - Participant. 🚀 Full story: https://lnkd.in/gr92JdvS Images: Nine image tiles which contain information taken from the blog link. The tiles contain 'what we did', 'how we did it', 'the result' and quotes from participants. For more accessibility options, please download the PDF or access the link above. #AusVols #Innovation #internationaldevelopment #relationships #genuineconnection #relationshipbuilding #sustainabledevelopment #communitydevelopment #community #volunteer

Its all I preach. Community Voice First. "Funders striving for lasting and equitable impact should learn from the communities they serve by adopting a community-driven change (CDC) approach" https://lnkd.in/eAbSRPKP

Last week, at an ESAE - European Society of Association Executives Workshop, our Executive Director, Thomas Linget, explored the transformative potential of volunteerism within associations and how members can play that role. Some tips: 📝Micro-Volunteering & Project-Based Opportunities: Offer flexibility in volunteering to cater to diverse schedules and interests. Micro-volunteering can engage those with limited time, while project-based roles can satisfy those looking for deeper involvement.  📢Clear Messaging: Communicate the mission, vision, and impact of volunteering clearly and compellingly. Let potential volunteers know exactly what they can do and why it matters. 🌟Value Communication: Highlight the tangible and intangible benefits of volunteering. Share stories and testimonials to showcase the rewarding nature of the work. Scroll through the slides to read the main takeaways of the session. #Volunteerism #Engagement #Associations

🌟 Making an Impact: The Power of Community Involvement 🌟 In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the power of local engagement, but the truth is, every small action counts when it comes to building a stronger community.💪🏽 At Sprints and Sneakers, we believe that contributing to our community isn’t just a duty; it's a privilege. That’s why we launched our Growth 4 Good campaign. Whether it's through volunteering, participating in local clean-ups, or supporting local businesses, every effort leads to significant positive impact.🌱 Not only will this help strengthen community bonds, it also serves as a bridge for the betterment of disadvantaged members seeking networking/ job opportunities. Such outreach can also lead to personal growth and the learning of new skills through new experiences.🤩 Let’s all do our part! By investing time and resources into our local areas, we contribute to a sustainable future and a vibrant community life. Share how you or your organisation are making an impact in the community in the comments below! 👇 #sprintsandsneakers #marketing #growthmarketing #communityimpact #socialresponsibility