Powerful Communities SA: What is community engagement?

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On the run up to the South Australian state government elections on 15 March 2014, I’ve invited a number of political candidates to guest blog for me. I’ve asked them to reflect on what ‘community engagement’ means to them and their party. The content of the guest blogs are not necessarily the views of Becky Hirst Consulting. I am simply providing a forum in which to discuss the topic of community engagement in the world of politics. 

For me, Community Engagement is a state of mind that says that people, and their various communities, should be involved in the decision making on matters that affect them.

Then there are two values (or beliefs) that underpin effective Community Engagement:

1. The common good is more important than gains to any individual. (as in the “Commonwealth of Australia”). The common good embraces the diversity within and between communities.

2. All people have something constructive to contribute to their community (often referred to as “strengths” perspective.)

Communities are where we come together, and we are all part of at least a couple of communities, invariably more. Our families are communities, as are our schools, workplaces, clubs, churches and associations. Where we live is also a community, defined by geography.

Communities consequently are where we test ideas, develop our values and principles and where we look for answers and often personal support, particularly when disaster strikes, be it natural disaster, person loss or relationship stress. An overwhelming majority of people want to be part of safe and nurturing communities, and want to contribute to them.

There is a wide range of processes that enable community engagement, the key elements are that the views and opinions of people are taken seriously and this is demonstrated by processes that:

– Provide clear, factual information to assist with informed decision making
– Provide time for debate and discussion
– Listen to all points of view
– Inform people about how decisions will be made
– Inform people about the decisions that are made and how their input was taken into
– Implement decisions that are made

The Powerful Communities independents, Mark Henley and Nicola Trenorden are nominating for the Legislative Council because we believe that communities are being left out of decision making, our democracy has become less participative and increasingly representative, but this is not what people are wanting.

Effective community engagement processes include:

Community meetings and assemblies: to discuss community needs and issues and take views, ideas, proposals, resolutions and decisions forward to Parliament and Senate, and to take community action.

Participatory budgeting: having community-elected representatives participating in the formulation of State, regional and local government annual budgets.

Participatory policy-making: having community-elected representatives participating in government policy-making on matters of relevance to affected communities.

E-government: being able to express individual and community-agreed views through websites and social media on matters of importance.

Community-instigated Referenda: at State, region and community levels, having the power to initiate referendum processes on matters of concern, coming out of community meetings/assemblies.

The other crucial element of Community Engagement is that is goes beyond consultation, it involves communities in the design of policy and programs and significantly, in their implementation. Community involvement in program and policy development must also include being part of monitoring processes, where community based nominees report back to their communities about progress and are part of adjustments based on experience.

Communities can also be part of delivering programs that follow on from problem solving that engages communities. This program development ideally is in partnership with government and business. – Community Engagement empowers communities.

The commitment that we are making is that if elected to the Legislative Council, we will argue for increased community engagement through the life of the Parliament and commit to instigating, as a minimum:

– Taking community assemblies to at least 5 locations each year, at least 3 of which will be outside of Adelaide.
– Participatory budgeting for the state budget
– Participatory policy making on key issues considered by the parliament
– Community involvement in the implementation of policy and programs

Our vision is for a South Australia where people, through the communities they are part of, thrive by playing an important role, alongside government and business, in the processes of debate, decision-making and delivery of the social and economic issues, policies and practices that affect their lives – this is what powerful communities are.

A South Australia that is built on the foundations of powerful communities will have a clear sense of direction: powerful communities will be the basis of both a vibrant State and vibrant regions and regional development; new and satisfying roles for young people; innovation in industry and enterprise; a versatile and skilful population; and much else. This will in turn enable diverse and healthy communities.

Mark Henley & Nicola Ternorden
Powerful Communities (candidates for Legislative Council)

Powerful Communities is the name of grouped independents who are running for the South Australian legislative council in the coming 2014 state election.

www.powerfulcommunities.net.au