What do you do if your community outreach efforts face a major setback?

When you're knee-deep in community outreach and suddenly hit a roadblock, it can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Whether it's a funding cut, a failed event, or a shift in public opinion, setbacks can be disheartening. However, they also provide a unique opportunity for reflection, learning, and strategic redirection. By embracing flexibility, engaging with your community for feedback, and revisiting your objectives, you can turn a setback into a setup for future success. The key lies in not losing sight of your ultimate goal: to serve and improve your community.

1 Assess Impact

When faced with a setback in community outreach, your first step is to understand its extent. Take stock of the situation by evaluating the impact on your goals, resources, and the community's perception of your efforts. This will help you identify whether you need to make minor adjustments or if a more significant pivot is necessary. By assessing the damage calmly and objectively, you can make informed decisions on how to proceed without letting emotions cloud your judgment.

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Logun Moe

Consultant at Reform Enterprises | Empowering Positive Impact | Strategy, Scaling, & Social Impact
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When assessing your impact and reflecting on your work, you may find that you've actually made a larger impact than it seemed. When setbacks come we feel a lot of negativity and sometimes fail to see the good that has been accomplished. While you may be tempted to focus on "failure" when setbacks come, don't be afraid to also admit your accomplishments. This can also help you develop a solid new strategy based on your strengths.

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Garikai Muchemwa

Programme Associate @ UNDP | Bachelor of Laws- LLB
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I will go back to the drawing board, try to establish major impediments. Will also make use of Community Popular Leaders (CPOLs) to ensure programme buy-in.

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2 Seek Feedback

After evaluating the setback, it's crucial to seek feedback from those affected—your community. Engage with them through meetings, surveys, or informal conversations to gain insights into what went wrong and how it affected them. This not only shows that you value their opinion but also helps build trust and transparency. Listening to the community's voice can provide you with fresh perspectives and ideas that may not have been considered before.

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3 Revisit Goals

Setbacks often indicate that it's time to revisit your community outreach goals. Reflect on whether your objectives are still relevant and attainable in the current context. If necessary, redefine your goals to align with the new reality. This process ensures that your efforts remain focused and effective, and it demonstrates your commitment to adaptability and continuous improvement.

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4 Adjust Strategy

With a clear understanding of the setback's impact and fresh community feedback, it's time to adjust your strategy. This may involve re-allocating resources, changing your approach, or even starting a new initiative altogether. The key is to be creative and open-minded, allowing for innovative solutions that can overcome the challenges faced. A flexible strategy is vital for resilience in community outreach.

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Calla Flannery

Community Driven • Credit Union Advocate • Charismatic Leader •
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One thing I have found extremely helpful in community engagement is pivots in strategy and building on what you learned in the past. This does require being open to feedback, keeping notes on what has been tried in the past, and being ready for creative solutions outside your bubble.

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5 Strengthen Network

A robust support network is invaluable when overcoming setbacks. Reach out to partners, volunteers, and other organizations for support and collaboration. These relationships can provide additional resources, advice, and moral support. By strengthening your network, you enhance your outreach program's capacity to withstand challenges and leverage collective expertise for better outcomes.

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Krishna Harish

Chartered Procurement & Supply Professional MCIPS (CS) | MILT | ACMI | AIoD
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When I volunteered for a community literacy program, they had a setback when building maintenance concerns prevented them from using their primary tutoring location. To fortify the network, program managers (with the help of volunteers) made temporary arrangements for tutoring locations in community centers, libraries, & schools in the area to guarantee that learner's needs would always be met. The firm also partnered with retired teachers to provide online and outdoor tutoring sessions and also worked with nearby companies to provide technology, stationery, & books to help with the program's changeover thus enhanced community engagement, resource access, inclusivity & equal opportunities for all learners, ensured educational support.

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6 Move Forward

Finally, with all the insights and adjustments in place, it's time to move forward. Implement the changes you've made with determination and monitor their effectiveness closely. Remember that progress may be gradual, and patience is essential. Embrace this opportunity for growth and continue to strive for positive change within your community. Your resilience and dedication can inspire others and ultimately lead to a stronger, more connected community.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Norma Norris

Prevention Implementation Specialist
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Setbacks can be opportunities revealed when three questions are answered: 1. What could I learn from this setback? 2. What organization or group can I address to inform to help overcome the setback? 3. How can I "supersize" what I've learned from steps one and two, to impact other areas of my work? Community outreach shares a determination to meet a need. You have resources ready to invest. Speak at civic organizations to present your goals and setbacks to overcome. Leave room for Q & A for problem-solving ideas and new partners to emerge. Capitalize on the outcomes and create new roles for those who stepped forward.

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What do you do if your community outreach efforts face a major setback?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess Impact

2 Seek Feedback

3 Revisit Goals

4 Adjust Strategy

5 Strengthen Network

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Outreach

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What do you do if your community outreach efforts face a major setback?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Impact

2 Seek Feedback

3 Revisit Goals

4 Adjust Strategy

5 Strengthen Network

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Outreach

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