Listening to the Voice of the People; Community Engagement 101

• Lyn Dimer 

• National Cultural Lead

Definition of Community (Aboriginal Elder from Arnhem Land)

When you live in a place that you love

You can stand up

But the wind can blow you over

When you live in a place that you love

With the people that you love

You can stand up and walk

But you can walk in the wrong direction

When you live in a place that you love

With the people that you love

Doing the things that you love

You can stand up like a kangaroo

And a kangaroo cannot walk backwards

Acknowledgement

Complexity

• Cultural difference

• Diversity

• Languages

• Limited resources

Measures to REAL Community Engagement

• Consultation networks/partnerships

• Governance structure• Charter of Principles • Program methodology • Community feedback• Evaluation

Community EngagementConsultation & Feedback

Charter of Principles (9)

Committed to the following principles. No particular order. Considered to be interdependent and of equal weight and importance.

• Community Control

• Holistic Approach,

• Cultural Safety,

• Equality,

• Reciprocity and Inclusion,

• Best Practice,

• Building Community Capacity,

• Accountability,

• Sustainability

Program Design

• Identify key questions based on community need

• Identify leaders in community• Seek permission to interview• Collate responses, ensure feedback

given to community people engaged • Saturation level reached• Conduct focus community groups• Provide feedback• Develop program design

Summary

• Cultural diversity within Aboriginal groups• Need to consult with the people• Need to Listen more and speak less• Need to reflect on what is shared• Programs need to be targeted and culturally

specific• Need to re-evaluate self and the program • Enable ownership by the people

Acknowledgement & Thank You

• Heart Foundation colleagues• Aboriginal community members• Stakeholders • Funding body• My family