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Inclusive Engagement Techniques and Approaches

Engagement through Service

Six people next to a canopy that is labeled Bikes Del Pueblo. The people are posed next to trash bags.

Bikes del Pueblo hosted a community cleanup in partnership with the City. Participants provided input on the City's Environmental Justice Element and helped clean up their community.

What is it?

Engagement through service are public engagement efforts where staff and any partners collaboratively contribute to projects by providing a service or enhancing the community. This technique can be used to gather public input while also engaging community members in hands-on activities that improve local conditions. This technique can help motivate people to share their input on long-range planning or other project concepts that may seem intangible. The service activities can show community members how City policies can positively impact their communities.

When to use it

Engagement through service supports public engagement with a direct, visible community impact. It is ideal for projects such as public space improvements and those at the involve or collaborate levels of engagement, offering a tangible way to build relationships, gather feedback and foster a sense of ownership among participants. Some examples of engagement through service include:

  • Climate Resilient SD Living Wall. The City Planning Department partnered with the Copley-Price YMCA to build a living wall. Dozens of youth campers from the YMCA helped create the wall, which holds a variety of plants and succulents, to help remove air pollutants and reduce urban heat for years to come. Youth campers were also invited to participate in a sticker poll to help inform the plan. This project was part of the City’s development of Climate Resilient SD, a plan to prepare for climate change and build greener, safer and more sustainable communities.
  • Community Clean Up. The City Planning Department partnered with community-based organization Casa Familiar to host a community clean-up of a highway overpass that doubles as a pedestrian bridge in the San Ysidro area. The event was an opportunity to discuss environmental justice priorities as community members came together to improve their community’s cleanliness. This event was part of the development of the City’s Environmental Justice Element, which provides policies for the advancement of equitable, healthy and livable communities for all San Diegans.

How to do it

Before

  • Partner with community leaders and local organizations to identify a service and coordinate a service project that addresses a local need.
  • Conduct outreach to encourage participation as needed, such as using email notifications, flyers or social media.
    • In addition to standard outreach channels, directly contact organizations and people that may have interest in participating.
  • Check weather conditions in advance of the service event.  
    • Remind staff to dress accordingly.
    • If temperatures of 80°F or higher are anticipated, ensure water and shade are available and/or consider postponing the service event.

During

After

  • Collect and analyze any feedback from participants.
  • Share the outcomes and impacts of the project with the community through techniques such as newsletters, social media updates and briefings to maintain transparency and encourage ongoing engagement.

Resource considerations

Cost: Minimal to High

Costs can vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of the service project. Simple, small-scale activities, like a community cleanup, can be inexpensive, while more complex activities that necessitate planning, design, construction and/or maintenance may require more significant investments.

Time: Minimal to High

The time required to plan and implement service projects depends on their scope and detail. Engagement through service may take under a month or up to several months to plan and implement.

Capacity: Moderate to High

The capacity needed for service projects varies with their complexity. A few staff may be needed to plan and implement a simple service project, but a team may be needed for a complex service project.

Other considerations

  • For outdoor projects, check weather conditions in advance of the event.
    • Remind team members to dress accordingly.
    • If temperatures at 80°F or higher are anticipated, ensure water and shade are available and/or consider postponing the event.
  • Obtain necessary permits, licenses or approvals from relevant City departments or other authorities and consider any legal implications or liabilities associated with the project, such as insurance requirements or waivers.
  • Identify ongoing community involvement and stewardship opportunities, such as regular maintenance or programming related to the service project's outcomes.

How to make it more inclusive

  • Choose venues that are fully accessible, including parking, entrances and restrooms. Choose venues near transit and that have adequate parking.
  • Incorporate cultural traditions, practices or art forms into the project to celebrate the community and foster a sense of pride and ownership among participants.
  • Identify any language interpretation needs in advance.
  • Consider providing participation support.
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