Engaging the community in project identification taps into a wealth of local knowledge, experiences, and needs that might otherwise go unnoticed. By inviting input from various stakeholders, projects can be tailored to address genuine concerns and priorities. This participatory approach fosters a sense of belonging and commitment among community members, increasing the likelihood of project success and sustainability in the long run. But, let’s be real, getting everyone’s opinions can be tricky sometimes. People have different thoughts and priorities, which can make it tough to agree on just one thing.

During my community meeting for project identification, I saw how excited everyone was to share their ideas. Some people talked about fixing up our roads, others talked about things that could benefit themselves while others wanted to make our schools even better. There were so many ideas flying around, which was awesome, but it also made it hard to decide on just one. As a community we figured out the challenge and solution together, we chose to be patient and listen to each other. Yes, we did not all agree on everything, but we talked things out and the use of the innovator’s compass made it easier for people to understand and find common ground, they picked a project that excited all.

We all know that involving the entire community in project identification is a powerful way to harness collective wisdom, foster ownership, and drive sustainable change. Even though it comes with its own set of challenges, for instance, it can lead to conflict thereby slowing down the decision-making process and hindering progress. However, by embracing diversity, as a facilitator I can ensure that projects truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve, leading to more impactful and transformative outcomes.