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Community Engagement Toolkit

How to engage your community. Step-by-step and sector-by-sector.

• What do I need to know about community sectors?
• What is outreach and engagement?
• What strategies should we use to build capacity within each sector?
• What is an elevator pitch and how can it help?

Watch the video below to see an overview of all sectors.
Choose a sector from the list below to see a video and additional resources.
Scroll down for additional videos and resources on outreach & engagement strategies.

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Community Engagement is at the center of everything we do.

Start Here: Community Engagement Roadmap

Use this step-by-step roadmap to build strong partnerships, make informed decisions, and create lasting change in your community.

Assess & Understand

Listen to the community and use data to understand needs, assets, and priorities.

Organize & Build Capacity

Bring the right people together and strengthen skills, resources, and partnerships.

Plan for Action

Set goals, choose strategies, and create a plan that fits your community.

Take Action

Together, put your plan into action and engage the community along the way.

Learn & Improve

Check progress, gather feedback, and use what you learn to improve your work.

Sustain & Grow

Build on success, share leadership, and ensure your work continues and grows.

Download the Community Engagement Roadmap (PDF)

A planning guide to help you and your partners know which questions to ask and when.

Download Now →

Choose Your Sector of Focus

Which sector are you wanting to learn more about? Choose one below and come back for the others.

Business

Civic or Volunteer Groups

Faith or Fraternal Organizations

Healthcare Professionals

Law Enforcement

Media

Parents and Guardians

People with Lived Experience

Schools

State, Local, or Tribal Agencies

Youth

Youth-Serving Organizations

New Community Engagement Tools

Check back here often for a look at some of our favorites and new tools.

Choosing the Right Message

Understanding the framework of elevator pitches will help you make quick adjustments to your message.

view now

Outreach and Engagement Strategies

Check out the videos and worksheet on outreach and engagement strategies.

view now

Capacity Building FAQ

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about building capacity.

view now
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The Center for Community Engagement is funded in full or in part through a State Opioid Response Grant (TI085769) to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

© 2024-26 Center for Community Engagement at Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. CCE and the above logo are trademarks of Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. and must appear on any copy of any content you print or capture from the website. The Content may not be modified and may not be sold commercially. All Rights Reserved.