Importance of Proper Preparation for Community Engagement

Effective community engagement requires thorough preparation for students to avoid potential harm to themselves and the communities they aim to serve. Unprepared students can inadvertently disrupt community dynamics, exacerbating power imbalances and causing frustration among community partners and instructors. Research conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison revealed significant dissatisfaction among community partners regarding students’ readiness and ability to engage effectively. This feedback led to the development of a structured approach to better equip students with the necessary skills for meaningful community partnership engagements.