Community Engagement vs. Community Participation: Understanding the Key Differences

BY CARA-MARIE FINDLAY

PRINCIPAL

When developing social change initiatives, understanding the distinction between community engagement and community participation is essential. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they reflect different approaches to involving communities in decision-making, planning, and project implementation.

At Findlay House Global (FHG), we prioritize strategic communication that promotes meaningful connections, builds trust, and re-powers communities. This article explores the key differences between community engagement and community participation, emphasizing their distinct roles in social impact initiatives.

What is Community Engagement?

Community engagement is a proactive process where institutions—such as governments, non-profits, and corporations—actively seek to involve community members in decision-making and collaboration.
The institution takes the lead, creating structured opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and involvement.

At FHG, we view true community engagement as more than just consultation—it requires an intentional effort to understand community needs, perspectives, and aspirations. This approach ensures that initiatives align with the realities of the people being served.

Key Features of Community Engagement:

✔ Institution-led: The responsibility falls on the organization to establish and maintain engagement.
✔ Inclusive & Strategic: Effective engagement prioritizes diverse voices, especially those from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups.
✔ Ongoing Process: Engagement is not a one-time event; it requires continuous dialogue, relationship-building, adaptation, and closing the loop by following up.

Why Community Engagement Matters:

When done well, community engagement builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and ensures that projects reflect the community’s values and needs. Institutions that actively engage communities are better positioned to develop sustainable, high-impact solutions.

What is Community Participation?

In contrast, community participation refers to the voluntary involvement of community members in initiatives, activities, or decision-making. Unlike community engagement, participation is driven by the community’s choice, motivation, and willingness to be involved.

Here, the responsibility is with community members—they decide whether or not to participate based on their interests, needs, and perceived benefits.

Key Features of Community Participation:

✔ Community-driven: Participation happens when individuals feel invested in an issue or project.
✔ Self-determined: Community members decide how and when they will engage.
✔ Essential for Sustainability: Initiatives that encourage authentic participation lead to stronger, more resilient communities.

Why Community Participation Matters:

When people actively choose to participate, they contribute local knowledge, lived experiences, and a sense of ownership—key factors in driving long-term impact. Participation promotes a sense of agency (feeling of control over one's own actions), self-reliance, and a deeper connection to the outcomes of a project.

Key Differences Between Community Engagement and Community Participation

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

For organizations and institutions working toward social impact, distinguishing between community engagement and community participation is critical. At Findlay House Global, we use this distinction to design strategies that re-power communities while advancing effective institutional collaboration.

How Institutions Can Bridge the Gap:

• Prioritize Meaningful Engagement: Move beyond one-way communication—create inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration.

• Encourage Authentic Participation: Ensure community members feel valued, heard, and motivated to take part in shaping their future.

• Cultivate Long-Term Relationships: Engagement and participation should complement each other to drive lasting, community-led change.

Conclusion

We believe that true, sustainable impact happens when communities are not just engaged, but actively participating in shaping their futures. While community engagement and community participation serve different roles, they are interconnected processes that, when combined, lead to stronger, more resilient communities.

By understanding and applying these concepts effectively, institutions can ensure that their development efforts are truly people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable.

Ready to build stronger community connections?

Findlay House Global specializes in strategic communication, social and behavior change, and community-driven development.

Contact us today to explore how we can help you bridge the gap between institutions and communities!

FHG is Looking for a [Volunteer] Business Development Officer - Mentor our Executive Team and Help Secure Contracts

Quick Pitch Description

Mentor social impact executives, connect with prospects, and help promote community-ownership to drive social change by committing 10-20 hrs/week.

Purpose

Help advance bold social change initiatives related to community & international development as you work with Findlay House Global (FHG) to re-power communities—mentor FHG's executive leadership team and connect with prospects to expand FHG's impact.

Role

Mentor FHG's Executive Team, send outreach emails, meet with—and present to—potential partners, and track progress—all while driving meaningful social change through securing contracts for community and international development work.

Company Culture

Re-powering, Collaborative, and Fun!

ROLE SUMMARY

• Indoor / Outdoor

• Active / Mellow

• Mind / Body

• Independent / Social

Job Title: Volunteer Business Development Officer

Organization: Findlay House Global (FHG)

Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings as needed

Commitment: 10-20 hours per week (flexible)

Location: Remote

Level: Experienced (Expert/Senior)

About Findlay House Global:
Findlay House Global (FHG) is a trailblazing consulting firm rooted in service, committed to re-powering underserved communities to lead the discussion on development. With a bold mission and people-centered approach, FHG focuses on compassionate and community-driven solutions for meaningful social and behavior change.

Role Summary:
Findlay House Global is seeking a dedicated and experienced Volunteer Business Development Officer to play a vital role in expanding our presence and securing opportunities in government contracting, corporate social responsibility projects, and more!

The Business Development Officer is a key team member of Findlay House Global. This role provides an opportunity to build a legacy by mentoring a group of young professionals within FHG's executive team who are driving meaningful social change.

This position is ideal for individuals with extensive government or corporate experience who are passionate about giving back and staying engaged in purposeful work.

Whether you are a retiree exploring a "Golden Gap Year" or a seasoned professional with active networks, we invite you to contribute to our bold mission as a servant leader who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.

Key Responsibilities:
The Volunteer Business Development Officer will support Findlay House Global’s growth strategy by connecting with prospective partners, nurturing relationships, and maintaining organized business development efforts. The scope of work is dynamic and may evolve as we learn and grow together.

• Prospect Meetings and Presentations (40%)

  • Identify and connect with potential partners, clients, and government agencies.

  • Schedule and lead introductory meetings, presenting FHG’s expertise, capabilities, and mission with professionalism and passion.

  • Represent Findlay House Global at virtual or in-person networking opportunities as needed.

• Outreach and Cold Emailing (30%)

  • Proactively research and identify new business development opportunities.

  • Craft compelling outreach emails that align with FHG’s bold, compassionate tone.

  • Follow up consistently with prospects to nurture relationships and maintain momentum.

• Record-Keeping and Administrative Tasks (20%)

  • Maintain accurate and organized records of outreach activities, meetings, and follow-ups.

  • Support the tracking of leads, opportunities, and pipeline progress using spreadsheets or CRM tools.

  • Document feedback from prospects to inform strategy adjustments.

• Strategic Development Support (10%)

  • Collaborate with leadership to refine business development strategies and identify emerging opportunities in government contracting.

  • Provide insight and recommendations based on previous experience and connections.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in government contracting, procurement, or related business development roles.

• A strong network of contacts within government agencies, corporations, or other contracting spaces (e.g. philanthropic).

• A servant leader mindset with a willingness to actively contribute and support FHG’s mission.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with FHG leadership.

• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage records and outreach effectively.

• Tech-savviness, including comfort with email, spreadsheets, and virtual meeting tools.

Who You Might Be:

• A retiree or seasoned professional looking to give back, stay sharp, and remain engaged in meaningful work.

• Someone with active or recent connections in government spaces who wants to leverage their experience for community-driven change.

• A hands-on leader excited to join a mission-driven organization and contribute directly to its success.

Benefits of Joining Us:

• A flexible volunteer commitment of 10-20 hours per week.

• The opportunity to play a key role in expanding an organization dedicated to re-powering communities and advancing social change.

• A chance to stay connected to your professional expertise, networks, and meaningful work while making a difference.

• Collaboration with a passionate, innovative, and bold team.

To Apply:

If you’re inspired by our mission and excited about this role, please email your resume and a brief statement of interest to letswork@findlayhouseglobal.com with the subject line: Volunteer Business Development Officer Application.

Findlay House Global is an equal-opportunity organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the unique contributions of all individuals. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Apply For This Position

ABOUT FINDLAY HOUSE GLOBAL

Findlay House Global (FHG) is helps governments, NGOs, and the private sector connect with diverse communities to bridge the gap between decision-makers and local voices. By transforming conversations into collaborative action, we co-create people-centered programs and policies that re-power communities to take ownership of change—delivering meaningful outcomes that last.

The City of Asheville Commends Findlay House Global for Advancing Community Leadership Among Asheville’s Historically Disadvantaged Communities

The City of Asheville has formally recognized Findlay House Global (FHG) for its outstanding work in co-designing and delivering the OUR AVL Community Engagement Leadership Academy. This transformative six-week program equips community leaders—particularly from historically disadvantaged communities—with the skills to drive meaningful civic engagement and social change.

In November 2023, FHG partnered with the City’s Communications and Public Engagement Department to co-design and facilitate the academy—based on FHG’s O.U.R. Development™ program—across two cohorts.

The program not only provided hands-on training in leadership, advocacy, and public participation but also established a pipeline of paid Community Connectors, ensuring sustainable engagement between city officials and underrepresented stakeholders.

FHG’s strategic facilitation and commitment to people-centered leadership ensured the academy’s success, leading to its adoption as a permanent initiative in Asheville’s operations.