Rachel Smith

Let’s take a critical look at this question: “How can we encourage more people to engage with our service?" This sort of question leads so many public services and charities to a dead end. Savvy practitioners don't 'get' people to engage. Instead, they listen to what they are passionate about and then support them in working in solidarity with others to pursue their passions. It's not about coercing people to do what we want, nor is it about only involving people to promote our services. The pursuit of institutional goals is not the sole purpose of life. We must discard unproductive questions that let down communities and exhaust practitioners to make progress. Instead, we should ask community-centered questions that enable communities and liberate citizens and practitioners to play to their strengths for the common good. Better questions lead to better outcomes.

Over the last 8 days we have successfully delivered the launch of the Civic Curiosity E-Bikes, Learning and Teaching Conference, CivicLAB Conference, Civic Awards and Reception Event... 1/3