What are the steps to identify key stakeholders in community engagement networks?

1 Define the network's purpose

The first step is to clearly define the purpose of the network, which is the overarching reason why it exists and what it aims to achieve. The purpose should be aligned with the needs and interests of the community, and it should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Having a clear purpose will help you to identify the stakeholders who share the same vision and mission, and who can contribute to the network's success.

2 Map the potential stakeholders

The next step is to map the potential stakeholders who are related to the network's purpose. You can use different methods to identify and categorize them, such as brainstorming, interviewing, surveying, or reviewing existing documents. You can also use tools such as stakeholder analysis matrices, Venn diagrams, or network maps to visualize the relationships and interactions among the stakeholders. The goal is to create a comprehensive list of stakeholders who have an interest or influence in the network's issue, and to understand their roles, expectations, perspectives, and power.

3 Prioritize the key stakeholders

The third step is to prioritize the key stakeholders who are most relevant and important for the network. You can use criteria such as their level of interest, influence, impact, or involvement in the network's issue, and rank them according to their priority. You can also use tools such as stakeholder salience models, power-interest grids, or influence-impact matrices to assess the stakeholder's attributes and position them accordingly. The goal is to identify the key stakeholders who have the most stake in the network's success, and who need to be engaged and consulted.

4 Engage the key stakeholders

The fourth step is to engage the key stakeholders in a meaningful and respectful way. You can use different strategies to communicate and collaborate with them, such as inviting them to join the network, holding meetings or workshops, creating feedback mechanisms, or establishing partnerships or agreements. You can also use tools such as stakeholder engagement plans, communication plans, or action plans to plan and monitor the engagement process. The goal is to build trust and rapport with the key stakeholders, and to involve them in the network's decision-making and implementation.

5 Evaluate the stakeholder engagement

The final step is to evaluate the stakeholder engagement and its outcomes. You can use different methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations. You can also use tools such as stakeholder satisfaction surveys, stakeholder feedback forms, or stakeholder evaluation reports to document and report the findings. The goal is to measure the effectiveness and impact of the stakeholder engagement, and to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for improvement.

6 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?