Realizing the Visions of Community Visibility Through Authentic Community Engagement

BY André Solomon 

In the Summer and Fall of 2022, Creative Generation collaborated with the Appell Center for Performing Arts (ACPA) to produce an actionable plan elevating community knowledge and inform a set of tools to create a community hub for arts and cultural education in York County, PA. ACPA sought to engage with the community effectively, specifically convening residents throughout the county to learn about the ways they engage civically, creatively, and interpersonally with the arts, arts education, and the Appell Center and its theaters. 

You can learn more about this work through numerous publications, including:

We have continued this collaboration with quarterly meetings throughout 2023 to support the integration of our recommendations and community responses. 

In a recent quarterly call, ACPA expressed interest in increasing their community visibility through active participation in various community events. They sought to align their dedication with authentic, not performative, involvement. In response to this, I decided to initiate brainstorming sessions with Creative Generation’s Communications & Engagement and Learning & Leadership Teams to generate relevant questions that could guide ACPA’s pursuits in achieving an authentic presence with their community. 

The questions generated during these sessions addressed many of the necessary steps an organization can take before engaging with a community and the actions that can be taken while actively involved in community, which I have authored into a few blogs:

  • 10 Recommendations Towards Community Visibility: In this blog, I discuss ten steps of preparatory and engaged work which organizations can and should engage in before becoming “visible” in their communities - they each start with questions to ponder.

  • Realizing the Visions of Community Visibility Through Authentic Community Engagement (this blog!): In this blog, I discuss the “dream scenarios” and resulting outcomes of authentic community visibility to provide guideposts for your work. Does the second blog need a link, since the scenarios and dreams will be mentioned, right?

With heartfelt dedication to authenticity and community empowerment,

André 

“Dream” Scenarios

To support the execution of the questions listed in my blog, “10 Recommendations Towards Community Visibility,” within existing organizational frameworks, here are three “dream” scenarios, which can become the norm: 

Embodying Participation and Inclusivity in Event Planning: An organization aspires to collaborate with Latine artists and community members to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in October. To ensure inclusivity, this organization takes two key steps: Firstly, they engage their existing relationships with Latine community organizations to seek input on event planning. Secondly, putting out an open call to the wider Latine community, inviting interested individuals to participate in a planning committee. Through focus groups and collaborative sessions, the organization actively involves the committee's guidance in decisions related to event date, location, refreshments, and content, ensuring alignment with the Latine community's cultural values and aspirations.

Prioritizing Diversity and Representation: Excited to be part of the area's Chinese New Year celebration in 2024, an organization acknowledges the need for genuine representation. As hiring a staff member of Asian descent might not be feasible at the moment, the organization decides to take a proactive approach. They initiate an open call to Asian communities (specifically Chinese), inviting their input and guidance on participating in the event respectfully. Simultaneously, the organization commits to supporting the celebration from afar, offering resources like financial support and venue space to assist the Chinese and overall Asian community in making the event as vibrant and authentic as possible. This dual approach reflects the organization’s dedication to being an ally both within and outside the organization.

Prioritizing Genuine Relationship-Building: Recognizing the importance of indigenous representation, an organization’s Board Member initiates a dialogue on building meaningful relationships. Instead of resorting to performative actions, the organization introspects on their intentions and past practices. Understanding the need for education, the organization establishes a bi-monthly partnership with a local indigenous tribe. Through these educational sessions, the organization aims to gain insights into the tribe's experiences, history, and cultural heritage, actively seeking intersections between the organization’s programming and indigenous arts and culture. This commitment to learning and understanding paves the way for genuine relationship-building and ensures the organization's engagement is rooted in respect and authenticity.

Strengthening Community Bonds Through Transparent Engagement

By embracing these questions and dream scenarios, organizations have the unique opportunity to showcase their unwavering dedication to community-driven initiatives, transparency, and the establishment of genuine relationships. The journey towards authentic transparency can serve as a powerful testament to an organization's commitment to allyship with the communities they serve, furthering their growth and positive impact within these communities.

As we reflect on the 10 recommendations towards community visibility, it becomes clear that the path to authentic engagement requires intentional steps, thoughtful strategies, and a deep understanding of the communities we aim to connect with. The interplay between preparation, action, and sustainable partnership-building provides a comprehensive framework that organizations can adopt to ensure their involvement is meaningful, respectful, and impactful.

Nurturing Authenticity: Aligning Values with Actions

The pursuit of authentic visibility demands more than mere participation. It necessitates an alignment of values with actions, ensuring that an organization's commitment to the community is reflected in every endeavor. Incorporating community-driven belief statements, actively involving community members in event planning, and prioritizing diversity and representation within the organization are all essential components of this alignment.

Communicating Allyship: Striking a Resonant Chord

Transparently communicating allyship requires a nuanced approach. Organizations must navigate the fine line between genuine allyship and performative actions. By centering community voices, embracing ongoing learning, and exemplifying transparency in decision-making, organizations can foster a mutual understanding that transcends words and resonates through meaningful deeds.

Building Meaningful Partnerships: The Key to Longevity

The foundation of sustainable engagement lies in the cultivation of genuine partnerships. Organizations must be proactive in building relationships that extend beyond one-off events. Through cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and collaboration, organizations can ensure that their involvement is driven by mutual respect, shared decision-making, and a commitment to long-term growth.

Amplifying Community Impact: From Vision to Reality

Transparency finds its most compelling form in the tangible impact organizations have on their communities. Leveraging public events and initiatives as evidence of commitment, contributing tangibly to community empowerment, and embracing events as expressions of authenticity showcase an organization's evolution from vision to reality.

In essence, authentic transparency serves as a bridge that connects organizations and communities, fostering understanding, empathy, and empowerment. By embarking on this journey of introspection and growth, organizations not only amplify their visibility but also cultivate an ecosystem of trust, respect, and meaningful collaboration. This commitment to authentic engagement transforms organizations into allies that stand steadfastly beside their communities, reflecting a shared dedication to building a brighter and more inclusive future.

As we refine and implement these recommendations, let us continue to weave the threads of transparency, authenticity, and genuine relationship-building into the fabric of our endeavors. 

Together, we can forge connections that resonate deeply and stand as beacons of positive change within the communities we serve.