Partner Spotlight: Rochester, NY’s Urban Master Forest Plan

urban master forest plan

Instant Input partnered with the City of Rochester to work with city officials to get feedback on their Urban Master Forest Plan. The plan has received citizen feedback from over 300 survey responses via Instant Input’s project map. What’s Included in the Plan? Located within the Department of Environmental Services (DES), the City of Rochester’s […]

Practicing Accessibility & Inclusion in Public Engagement

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Is Public Engagement Accessible? Accessibility and project planning must go hand-in-hand. However, do our current public engagement methods support this? Our traditional public engagement practices are not only outdated, but aren’t inclusive. How can we support our entire community? When gathering quality public engagement is costly and tedious, how can we streamline data to inform […]

Conventional Public Engagement is Outdated

public engagement

Addressing the Problem of Low Public Engagement By Instant Input’s estimates, only 1/10th of 1% of the population participates in conventional public engagement processes. If 100 people in a population of 200,000 attend a town hall meeting, that’s less than 200 people’s input to represent the entire population, and it’s not enough.  Our current public […]

8 Creative Engagement Ideas to Transform Your Community

Community Survey

What is the significance of community engagement in societal development? In the words of Yuval Noah Harari, acclaimed author of “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” community engagement embodies the realization of humankind’s greatest power – collaboration. As Harari highlights in his book, our species’ ability to work together, form bonds, and engage collectively has […]

How to Address Common Barriers to Civic Engagement

How to Address Common Barriers to Community Engagement - Instant Input

Community engagement is more than a buzzword; it’s a fundamental approach to public involvement and collaboration. It refers to the intentional process of working with public groups, individuals, community organizations, and communities to build relationships, foster understanding, and achieve shared goals. It is about empowering individuals as active participants in shaping the decisions that affect […]

Top 15 Effective Community Engagement Strategies

Effective Community Engagement Strategies - InstantInput

More than just a catchphrase, community engagement is what keeps any community alive and growing. From non-profit organizations to online community hobby groups, engagement is key to nurturing strong connections among members. Community engagement also plays an indispensable role in retaining members and fostering brand loyalty. What makes community engagement strategies essential? Community engagement strategy […]

Can Troubled Communities Make a Turn-around?

Troubled Communities

Today, many troubled communities face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and well-being. However, by understanding and addressing these community problems, we can pave the way for positive change and transformation. To ensure the success of this transformation a collective involvement is needed. Instant Input facilitates community involvement by allowing each member of […]

Participatory Budgeting: Everything you should know

Participatory Budgeting - InstantInput

At the very center of any nation are its communities. The concept of nation-building requires us all to get involved. You are already taking that big step by simply lending your voice to the community-driven initiatives near you.   This article discusses participatory budgeting, a core aspect of community building, and the critical steps to ensure […]

8 Steps to Create a Community Engagement plan

Steps to Create a Community Engagement plan - InstantInput

A social engagement plan is a powerful tool that enhances civic involvement and drives effective community development. By fostering active participation and collaboration, a well-crafted plan can bring about positive change and empower local communities to shape their future.  How to Make a Community Engagement Plan? Making a community engagement plan involves several key steps. […]

Top 10 Community Engagement Examples

Community Engagement Examples - InstantInput

Harnessing the Power of Community Engagement: Models, Examples, and Best Practices Community engagement is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires active participation and collaboration from all stakeholders to create lasting change. As former President Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the […]