Volunteering for a board leadership position within a national nonprofit organization is a profound learning experience. It involves navigating a unique mix of personalities, schedules, and priorities, requiring immense patience and commitment to align the organization’s vision with your peers. Managing this balance with grace and positivity is a rare quality, and Simone Peterson exemplified this during our time serving together on the Neighborhoods, USA Conference (NUSA) board.
Simone has dedicated her career to community engagement, tirelessly working to unite people, address local issues, and facilitate meaningful conversations. More than a decade of service with county government and nonprofit organizations has helped hone her skills in understanding community needs and fostering collaborative environments to create solutions.
This post explores her journey, insights into community engagement, and the impactful work she has done to improve the lives of those around her.
"Any time you have the opportunity, you should do your research and vote. You need to know who you're getting into each office and what you can expect from them. Then if there is an issue, you know who to go to, but you’ll also know what policies they may be trying to steer the community toward."
The Role of Empathy and Communication in Community Engagement
For Simone, the key to successful community engagement lies in empathy, relationship-building, and effective communication.
"I would say the main skills you need are to be able to talk to people, have empathy, and build relationships with people. You're not going to have all the answers; you're going to have to navigate difficult conversations and difficult situations, but if you're able to talk to people with respect and empathy, you'll do well."
She explains that being a people person is crucial in this field. It’s not about being “on” all the time but being approachable and willing to engage with others. Simone emphasizes that effective community engagement is most effective when people can get off their keyboards, start discussing issues with others, and feel comfortable and welcomed enough to be in the place where decisions are being made, or at least where discussions are happening.
Her experiences in community engagement were gained in various settings, from intimate gatherings in people’s homes to large-scale forums at convention centers. In her previous role at the county government, she often found herself speaking with community members in their neighborhoods, sometimes inside churches or people’s houses, sharing a glass of lemonade, and discussing their concerns. She has learned that some of the most impactful community engagements required face-to-face interactions where emotions and vulnerabilities were visible, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Getting Started in Community Engagement
Simone encourages anyone new to the concept of community engagement to find what they are passionate about and volunteer in those areas. “What are you passionate about? What are some things that bother you? Maybe you’ve noticed that kids in your community are starving, or you don’t like the way that seniors are being forgotten, or that facilities aren’t accessible – wherever that thing is that just really bothers you. Now - go volunteer and just see how to get the lay of the land and how it works.”
Her own journey into community engagement began as an intern with the Manatee County in Florida, where she initially worked in their TV studio. This experience opened her eyes to the internal workings of government and the impact it could have on communities.
Her work with a community experiencing high unemployment and living in a food desert help stir her into the direction of a new career. The community felt disconnected and overlooked, so her department decided to hold a community meeting to hear their concerns directly.
“We had the data that told us some things, but we wanted to hear from them if there were other things they were concerned about. The community told us they felt disconnected, left out, and without their own distinct culture from other parts of the county.”
To address these concerns, her team created a monthly newsletter to highlight residents and local businesses, and share key information from the county, nonprofits, and other local resources. They also organized a block party, bringing families and organizations together to build a sense of community. This holistic approach of conducting a needs assessment to executing a community plan with other departments and area agencies was a success!
It was during this period that she also started to realize the significance of staying informed about local events and local government.
“We all need to be informed about what is happening in local government. The more informed we are, the better decisions we make, and the better decisions we make, the better the communities we live in.”
Understanding the functions of your key local officials and staying informed about local policies gives everyone the tools needed to make informed decisions so they can advocate for programs their communities need. As she shared, "It's great if you know the president and the vice president, but your local government is really where the river meets the road. Find out more about the city and county you live in and start there!"
Enhancing Skills through Community Engagement Training Programs
Training is an essential part of community engagement, and Simone recalls the value of programs like those offered by the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. These programs taught her how to facilitate large-scale conversations, set ground rules, and ensure all voices are heard.
“They teach how to have very frank, honest conversations with people. You learn to start with the end in mind, where you're thinking about the goals and problems for the group you’re working with."
She emphasizes the importance of taking to time to think about the desired outcome and working backward from there, identifying who needs to be involved and how to reach them. She adds that incorporating this strategic approach ensures that the engagement process is inclusive and goal oriented.
The "Back to the Future" Initiative
One of Simone’s proudest achievements is being a part of the “Back to the Future” initiative, where neighbors in Manatee County assessed its past, present, and future. The project involved extensive community engagement, with over 40 presentations to various groups.
“The project meant finding all the resources and partnerships, and it took a lot of time for those things to move forward. It took five years to implement, with so many different pieces to it.”
The initiative not only highlighted the importance of collaboration and resource allocation but also demonstrated the power of involving diverse community members in the planning process. By engaging the next generation of leaders and encouraging broad participation, the project fostered a deeper understanding of local government’s impact and how individuals can contribute to shaping their communities.
"Having that good mixture of people who were engaged made so many people more aware of how it affects their lives, and how they can play a role in making decisions. "
She is proud that many years later, she still sees neighbors continue to be actively engaged in the initiative's progress and asking how different parts are moving forward.
A Word of Advice
Community engagement roles are inherently personal and demanding. She advises those in such positions to take care of themselves, both mentally and physically.
“Make sure you take time for yourself, go to conferences to be able to commiserate with other people who are doing the work that you're doing, and realize you're not on this island by yourself.”
Having a support network and ensuring one’s mental health is stable are critical components of sustaining a long-term career in community engagement.
Government as a Conduit for Change
Simone Peterson’s dedication to community engagement serves as an inspiring example of how effective communication, empathy, and strategic planning can bring about meaningful change. Her journey from a broadcast journalism intern to a community engagement professional highlights the importance of volunteering to gain new perspectives and experiences that could lead to your next career!
Through her work, Simone has learned that while the government cannot solve all issues, it can act as a conduit to bring resources and partners together, ultimately improving the quality of life for community members. Her insights and experiences remind us that community engagement is about more than just addressing immediate concerns; it’s about fostering connections, empowering individuals, and creating a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
Additional Resources
Check out a few of the resources Simone shared by clicking below:
Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) Conference: A national organization that empowers neighborhood leaders and community organizations to enhance their local communities. Through its annual conference, NUSA provides a platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and promoting grassroots initiatives aimed at improving neighborhood life.
The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation: A non-profit organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and public innovation across communities in the United States. Founded in 1989, it equips individuals and organizations with tools to address societal challenges by encouraging a shift from inward-focused practices to community-oriented approaches, thereby igniting hope and change in public life
Toastmasters International: a global non-profit educational organization that aims to improve public speaking and leadership skills through a network of clubs. Members participate in structured meetings where they practice speaking, receive feedback, and develop their communication abilities in a supportive environment, fostering personal growth and confidence.
Manatee County, Florida: This Floridan county is located on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State, and is known for its diverse communities, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The county offers various recreational activities and serves as a hub for agriculture, tourism, and education within the region.
Manatee Community Foundation: A philanthropic organization that supports charitable initiatives and enhances the quality of life in Manatee County. By connecting donors with local needs, the foundation promotes community development through grants and scholarships while fostering a culture of giving among residents.