1. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Outreach and Involvement Keys to Successful Community Engagement

2. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Why Not Involve the Community It takes more time It takes more time It might increase project dissent It might increase project dissent You will loose your control/power You will loose your control/power

3. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Why involve the community? Higher quality project Higher quality project More successful project More successful project Help to create stronger community Help to create stronger community

4. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy How to Involve the Community Understand the history Understand the history Each community is unique Each community is unique Gain valuable perspective Gain valuable perspective

5. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy How to Involve the Community Determine Assets Community Leaders Community Leaders Skills Skills Physical Assets Physical Assets Organizations Organizations

6. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy How to Involve the Community Think and plan comprehensively Think and plan comprehensively Move into action quickly on easy to accomplish tasks Move into action quickly on easy to accomplish tasks Dont make promises, do something

7. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Build Trust Only through building trust with your community will you be able to create a sustainable partnership.