Are you a community engagement practitioner seeking a transformative experience in elevating your practice to new contemporary heights?
Are you new to community engagement, wanting to dip your toe in the water, but don't know where to start?
Do you work for a council, government organisation or corporation that needs to engage with the community, but you are scared of what this might mean?

You aren't alone.

Whether you're feeling stuck in the routine of traditional public consultation or are just beginning your journey in community engagement, our 6-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of the essential principles, tools, and techniques needed to excel in this dynamic field.

Introducing the Certificate in Contemporary Community Engagement, a program designed to provide you with valuable insights and skills to make a meaningful impact in decision-making processes. Affectionately known in the industry as the 'Community Engagement Bootcamp', this course has been designed to focus on the depth and breadth of community engagement strategies that lead to positive outcomes.

Led by Becky Hirst, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of practical experience, this course goes beyond traditional community engagement. Throughout the 6-week period, participants will engage in weekly two-hour sessions conducted via Zoom, featuring interactive discussions, presentations, and occasional optional homework challenges.

Course Outline:

Session 1: Principles & Models of Community Engagement Delve into popular community engagement models and learn to apply overarching theories to your practice.

Session 2: Who’s Who – Knowing Who to Engage Explore scenarios and methods for identifying key stakeholders using the PICNIC model of people identification, mapping, and analysis.

Session 3: Tools & Techniques to Facilitate Storytelling & Rich Conversations Discover practical ideas for delivering high-quality written, face-to-face, and online community engagement, incorporating a hybrid methodology.

Session 4: High-Quality Communication Learn the critical role of effective communication throughout the community engagement process.

Session 5: Engaging Diversity Gain insights and techniques to engage beyond the usual suspects, reaching diverse communities and overcoming common challenges.

Session 6: Creating a Welcoming Environment Practical strategies for setting up community engagement initiatives that are warm and inviting.

Course Logistics:

Format: Weekly interactive Zoom sessions
Dates: Tuesdays from 4 June 2024 for 6 weeks
Time: Varies based on location (see below)
Recording: No session recordings, but participants receive slides and discussion summaries.

Timezones: (please double check)

Adelaide 8.30am-10.30am
Brisbane 8.00am-10,00am
Melbourne/Sydney 9am-11am
Auckland, New Zealand 11am-1pm
Washington DC, 6.00-8.00pm*
Los Angeles/Vancouver, 3.00-5.00pm*

* Day before, so please mark the Monday's in your diary!

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for community engagement specialists, local council project managers, government policymakers, city managers, elected officials, consultants, and anyone involved in decision-making processes.

Download the Course Prospectus here.

About Becky Hirst: Becky Hirst, author of "For the Love of Community Engagement," brings over two decades of experience working with government clients and engaging with over 50,000 people. Known for her authentic and compassionate approach, Becky is committed to reshaping how government connects with communities.

Join us on this educational journey and emerge with a Certificate in Contemporary Community Engagement that reflects your commitment to excellence in the field.

Enrol today for a course that goes beyond the ordinary to redefine your understanding and practice of community engagement.