Conversations for Constructive Change
HMW set in motion a broader, deeper, & more participatory conversation between the community board + the community?
PT 2: Making an impact - conversation starters for constructive change
Overview
This initiative enhances community engagement within Williamsburg-Greenpoint by reimagining community board meetings. Observations from a 2020 meeting sparked a project aimed at transforming these events into platforms for robust dialogue between the community board and its constituents.
Approach
A mix of desk research and immersive engagement informed the project. Interviews with local activists and community board members, alongside attendance at board meetings, illuminated best practices and challenges in creating engaging, inclusive civic platforms.
Synthesis
Research revealed a need for change, with community boards at a crossroads between bureaucratic inertia and the communities' dynamic needs. This led to developing the "Community Deck," a novel tool designed to foster discussion, reflection, and ideation among all participants.
Prototyping
The "Community Deck" was envisioned to bridge communication gaps and encourage creative thinking. With 163 prompts, it encourages users to rethink the present and imagine future possibilities without current limitations. This tool aims to create a more participatory and accessible future by framing conversations around contested topics in a way that builds bridges and is universally understood.
Impact & Reflection
The project underscores the critical role of community boards in governance and the potential for design to drive change. The "Community Deck" aspires to promote more inclusive processes and collaborative discussions, aiming for a future where decisions benefit the broader community.
Next Steps
The goal is to pilot the "Community Deck" in Williamsburg-Greenpoint community board meetings, encouraging a shift toward more inclusive civic engagement. This effort reflects the belief in design's power to foster community-driven innovation in governance, ensuring diverse perspectives inform initiatives for a more desirable future.