Engaging activist communities

In the normal run of government, community engagement can encompass a wide range of day-to-day activities, from inviting submissions about revamping a city library to seeking citizen input on a strategic plan, Yet from time to time, controversial issues arise which demand more than conventional approaches to engagement. Such issues see the formation of 'activist communities' within the larger community. These groups demand either that certain types of actions be taken---or, in some cases, not be taken. In such cases new approaches to engagement need to be implemented if governments are to meet a goal of operating in a participative manner. These approaches include a strategy for engaging with media, dialogue with the activist communities, willingness to adopt a 'mutual gains' negotiation policy, communication with the uninvolved (but not uninterested) community at large and building organisational protocols to ensure policy decisions are made and where necessary reviewed in a consistent manner. Successful implementation of these approaches requires prior planning, including the creation of community networks which can facilitate the early identification of issues that may lead to the formation of activist communities. The necessary planning should involve discussion and agreement on the roles and responsibilities of government leaders in engaging with activist communities. The desired outcome of this engagement is not a consensus on the issue itself, as this may be unrealistic. It should, however, be a shared perception by the activist communities that their engagement with government is appropriate, inclusive and open.