Community Engagement
Effective community outreach and stakeholder engagement campaigns begin in the development stage by building a deep understanding of the intended audience, and a solid commitment to appreciating every perspective, voice and opinion as worthy and valuable.
For large efforts or programs that involve multiple groups of stakeholders (public or private), it is imperative that outreach be structured in a way that is both effective and respectful. And, whether it is the introduction of new public policy or the development of an infrastructure improvements program, “getting the word out” is important, but reaching the right audience, in the right way, is paramount.
Often times, there may be strong political and/or community-based forces at work that can be overlooked in the roll-out of a program, policy, or set aside for the purposes of planning. Failing to bring these parties into the process can create deep scars which may translate into opposition, disastrous to a project's potential for success.
Bell Consulting Services is equipped to provide support at every stage of the process to get the job done efficiently, effectively, and professionally. The key to success is to build and maintain open lines of communication that are both proactive and interactive.
Once a program is up and running, we use ongoing evaluation to continuously refine how we engage and reach audiences. Our expertise and partnerships at every stage promote programs that engage people of diverse backgrounds and drive real results for our clients.
Communication & Trust
Community engagement works best when there’s an ongoing cumulative process enabling relationships and trust to build that strengthens over time.
Bell Consulting Services has existing relationships with community groups, neighborhood associations, and business organizations across the region that can help in providing guidance on the issues you need to consider when planning and designing your legislative campaign, business development, or community engagement process.
We use our relationships to help our clients develop and implement community-based engagement initiatives that define and articulate the interests of the communities in which they work.
Our key Community Engagement services include:
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Identification of various stakeholders including advocates, influencers and community leaders;
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Planning, organizing and implementing key strategic community engagement and outreach activities;
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Engaging stakeholders and building coalitions;
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Creating and managing public involvement plans and activities, including community and town hall meetings and special events;
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Serving as a liaison between clients and stakeholders, as well as, preparing reports, project newsletters, press releases, and other printed and/or collateral materials;
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Organizing and managing street teams for information distribution.
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