Final answer:
To figure out the kind of community engagement you want to be involved in, start by building knowledge about the community, engaging with humility, and learning from community members. Determine if you can build upon existing efforts or if a new approach is needed, and be inclusive in planning and implementation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in figuring out what kind of community engagement experience you might want to engage in is to build your knowledge about the community. This involves learning about its history, issues, needs, and the resources already present. Start with issues that directly impact the community, gather information from various sources, and observe what is presently being done about these issues. This research phase is crucial as it informs everything that follows, from the planning of events to the style of leadership and facilitation that will resonate with the community.
Once you have a comprehensive understanding of the community, consider how you can engage with humility and willingness to learn from the community members themselves. It's essential to foster relationships and build networks that can support your initiatives and to ensure you are planning in a way that encourages inclusive participation and addresses potential conflicts respectfully. Think also about leveraging the talents within the community, such as artists, and involve them in the planning process, creating a collaborative environment conducive to effective community engagement.
Finally, determine if there are existing efforts you can build upon or if you need to take a different route to address the needs you've identified. By engaging community members and incorporating their input into the decision-making process, you create a foundation for fruitful and sustainable community engagement experiences.