Community engagement and empowerment at the local level Workshop 1

‘The best way to improve local services and promote change is to listen to the people who use them every day and know them best.’

Why is community consultation and engagement important? It is about improving the relationship between communities and government to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of the people that are using them. It can also provide a framework to help communities to monitor service delivery In some countries consultation with the community is a statutory requirement eg Bahamas, Dominica, Jamaica

Improved engagement with the community can help to demystify the role and activities of local government Increase the community’s understanding of service costs and capacities Increase understanding of where local government can/can not act

Getting started Be targeted (don’t go for topics/projects that are overly broad) Set realistic achievable goals (don’t over commit) Identify a budget and staff time Set up a process that can be monitored Remember the importance of regular communication

What areas lend themselves to community engagement? Strategic planning Community development activities LED

Building partnerships with other stakeholders for stronger engagement Identifying who should be at the table (it doesn’t have to be everyone all the time) Local government as leader vs Local government as partner How LG can be instrumental in scaling up on existing project/programmes (working with CSOs/NGOs/community groups)

What does community engagement and empowerment look like in the Caribbean? Requirement to consult? Examples of good practice The challenges of ensuring effective and meaningful consultation