Use the Engagement Methods Tool to find the right tool for your community and stakeholder engagement project.
Public Hearings are a well-established engagement method often used in government, planning, and policy processes. They offer a formalised space for individuals, organisations, and interest groups to voice support, concerns, or objections to a proposal in a way that is documented and considered in decision-making. Typically facilitated by an independent chairperson or panel, Public Hearings […]
Town Hall Meetings are public forums where community members gather to hear from decision-makers, ask questions, and provide feedback on policies, projects, or local issues. Traditionally held in large halls or community spaces, they have evolved to include hybrid and virtual formats. They often feature brief presentations followed by open Q&A sessions or breakout conversations. […]
An Online Open House is a digital engagement method that replicates the experience of a traditional community open house — but in an online format that people can access anytime. These platforms typically host key project information (maps, FAQs, timelines, visuals) and offer interactive tools like surveys, Q&A boards, or comment maps to collect feedback. […]
Live Polling is an interactive method used to gather real-time feedback from participants during a meeting, event, or online session. Using tools like Slido, Mentimeter, or Poll Everywhere, facilitators can pose multiple choice questions, word clouds, or open text prompts, with results visible instantly on a shared screen. Live polling energises sessions, boosts participation, and […]
Dotmocracy, also known as dot-voting or idea rating, is a method for group prioritisation to help progress ideas or action.
Similar to an opt-in e-panel except members are randomly-selected to avoid bias.
Community members opt in to be part of an online engagement panel.
Individualised letters sent to affected or interested community members and stakeholders.
Advertisements paid for in print, broadcast or online mediums. Can be used to promote projects, engagement activities or to meet legal obligations.
A small group discussion hosted by a facilitator about a focussed topic.
Online interactive web-based seminar, presentation or workshop.
A structured process where participants discuss a question or series of questions at a group of small tables.
A meeting organised by either the organisation or community with presentations and questions asked by the crowd.
A method for hosting a meeting, conference or summit which is focused on a particular purpose or topic, but which has no formal agenda set.
Presentations and discussions with community or stakeholder groups. Can vary widely from informing to gathering feedback, ideas or options.
Formal written submissions which must be made in line with government regulations.
A public information session incorporating a series of displays or stations staffed by technical experts, engagement professionals or the project team.
Participants individually write their ideas, concerns, issues on cards. These are shared in small groups then categorised by the whole group.
A structured process for decision making that focuses on building on strengths (“what works well”), rather than focusing on problems and limitations.
A group activity to identify and then prioritise issues, concerns or ideas.
