Stage 3: Engagement

In Stage 3 of the P=ENTS community builder's journey, known as Engagement, the Engager deepens their integration into the P=ENTS methodology and community. This stage focuses on nourishment, fostering stronger connections and providing the necessary support and resources for the community builder's continued growth and development.

To progress from stage 3 to stage 4, the Engager immerses themselves in the P=ENTS community and avails themselves of one-to-one mentoring opportunities and other resources required for their development. This stage begins almost immediately after the community builder completes stage 2, ensuring that they have access to an experienced P=ENTS community builder who can provide guidance and assistance in overcoming any challenges that may arise.

During the Engagement stage, the Engager engages in the following activities and experiences:

Mentorship and Guidance

The Engager is assigned a mentor who is an experienced P=ENTS practitioner. The mentor provides personalised guidance, support and encouragement to the Engager, helping them navigate the complexities of community building and offering insights based on their own experiences. The mentor assists in problem-solving, offers advice on strategy and decision-making, and helps the Engager develop their leadership skills.

Learning and Skill Development

The Engager continues to deepen their understanding of the P=ENTS methodology and its applications. They engage in continuous learning through workshops, training sessions, webinars and other educational resources provided by the P=ENTS community. They expand their knowledge of community building strategies, effective communication, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement and other relevant topics. The Engager also hones their skills in project management, collaboration, facilitation and mentoring others.

Community Engagement

The Engager actively participates in the P=ENTS community, collaborating with fellow community builders, mentors, and other stakeholders. They contribute more to discussions, share insights more frequently and exchange ideas to foster a culture of learning and knowledge sharing. The Engager may also take on roles within the community, such as organising events, leading working groups or contributing to the development of community resources.

Reflective Practice

The Engager begins the process of engaging in self-reflection and critical analysis of their community building experiences. They assess their strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement, seeking initial feedback from their mentor and community peers. Through this reflective practice, they gain a deeper understanding of their own growth and development as a community builder and they continuously refine their approaches and strategies.

Resource Utilisation

The Engager takes advantage of the resources provided by the P=ENTS community to enhance their community building initiatives. They leverage mentoring relationships, access relevant documentation, tools and frameworks, and seek guidance from experienced practitioners. The Engager actively seeks opportunities for collaboration with other community builders, exploring synergies and partnerships that can amplify their impact and contribute to the overall advancement of the P=ENTS methodology.

By the end of the Engagement stage, the Engager has established a solid foundation for their journey as a P=ENTS community builder. They have gained valuable insights, expanded their skills, gained practical experience of community building and developed meaningful connections within the P=ENTS ecosystem. The mentorship and resources provided during this stage ensure that the Engager is well-equipped to progress to stage 4, Reflection, where they will focus on learning from their mistakes, making amends where necessary, refining processes and preparing to fully commit to the P=ENTS community for the long term.