COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

While there are almost as many definitions out there as there are people trying to define it, in its simplest term community engagement seeks to better engage the community to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, processes, relationships, discourse, decision-making, or implementation for change.

 

The MLKcommUNITY engagement is not driven by a ‘model’ so much as by a framework of guiding principles, strategies, and approaches.  Our framework is based on principles that respect the rights of our community members to be informed, consulted, involved and empowered.  We employ a range of tools and strategies to ensure success.  We place a high priority on fostering and enhancing trust as a critical element in long-term, sustainable engagement.

 

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The MLKcommUNITY Initiative organize, train and educate the African American community and low income, communities. Our community civic engagement model engages, educate and empower residents in how to prioritizing their community needs.  We train them how to speak directly with organizational leaders and public officials, and provide them with a platform to advocate for themselves to get the changes their communities need.

 

COLLABORATIONS

The MLK CommUNITY Initiative collaborates with multiple organizations. Please click link to view our collaborative partners.

 

CENSUS

It’s important to understand the demographics of an area to ensure proper political representation. In 2020, Kern County enlisted the help of ShePower a partner of The MLK CommUNITY to reach out to “hard to count” residents. Members of ShePower and the MLK CommUNITY Initiative canvassed encouraging residents to fill out their Census forms. Together the collaboration held many community events and presentations, and canvassed more than 5,000 within week one. The Founder, Arleana Waller, became a 2020 Census Spokesperson doing multiple media interviews, speaking engagements and commercials targeting the African American community.