Finding the Right Method: Aha! Consulting Leads a Journey Through Community Engagement

Recently, professionals from across the corporate, NFP and government sectors gathered for the Engagement Institute (IAP2)’s intensive "Apply Engagement Methods" course.

Not just another training session – this impactful course is a deep dive into the art and science of choosing the right tools to connect meaningfully with stakeholders.

Method matters - the right tool for the right moment

Faced with a stakeholder engagement project, it’s easy to reach for the familiar: a survey here, a town hall meeting there, maybe a pop-up or social media posts thrown in.

Joel Levin, Aha! Consulting's founder and facilitator, brings over 20 years of experience to bear on the fundamental question posed in this IAP2 module: How do we design and sequence engagement methods to our engagement context and purpose?

The Aha! Moments – the method is part of the message

The course explored 92 engagement methods across the spectrum—from intimate small group sessions to large-scale forums, from digital platforms to face-to-face encounters.

Participants grappled with real-world scenarios, assessing how different methods would play out across diverse communities. As a result, rich conversations emerged about how method selection deeply impacts engagement success.

What Makes Engagement Methods Different

Unlike other courses that focus on the "how," this program anchors participants in the "why" and "which." The emphasis on aligning methods with the Community Engagement model provides a meaningful toolkit for decision-making.

Real-World Impact

Over two days, participants move from uncertainty to confidence in method selection. By linking methods directly to engagement purpose, they developed the ability to create cohesive experiences for communities—not just a random collection of activities, but a thoughtfully curated journey.

They left with a framework for thinking critically about engagement, for defending their choices to internal and external stakeholders, and for creating more meaningful connections with the communities they serve.

Interested in doing the next course?

For those who missed this round, you can check out Aha! Consulting’s ongoing schedule of engagement training, both IAP2 accredited and bespoke.