Case Study

Tech-Fueled Facilitation for Innovative and Equitable Stakeholder Engagement

Mundo Verde School aimed to elevate parent engagement and decision-making through a structured, technology-integrated session that ensured all voices were heard and prioritized in school initiatives.

 Addressing the imbalance of influence where the most vocal parents dominate discussions, Mundo Verde sought a process that would level the playing field and inclusively involve all parents in decision-making.

Onward Consultants proposed a civic engagement model adapted from government practices. The process involved school leaders explaining their ideas/ key challenges/opportunities, and then table hosts facilitating and documenting stakeholder discussions, which next were synthesized and presented for stakeholder voting. 

Presentation: In a bustling gym filled with over 200 parents divided among 10 tables, directors led concise presentations that concluded with discussion questions for each table.

Listening and Facilitation:

• Active Listening: Trained table hosts used facilitation techniques to ensure every participant’s voice was heard, maintaining focus on topics like school culture and facility improvements.
• Guided Conversations: Thoughtfully prepared questions guided discussions, encouraging clear articulation of perspectives and deeper exploration of each topic.

Synthesizing Conversations into Themes:

• Real-Time Synthesis: Using tablets and pen-paper methods, hosts captured key points and emerging themes from discussions, promptly distilling complex ideas into actionable items.
• Group Consensus Building: Hosts facilitated some consensus among groups, identifying common themes and integrating diverse viewpoints to ensure inclusivity.

Playback for Voting:

• Presentation of Themes: Following group discussions, hosts presented synthesized themes and actions to the larger assembly using visual aids like slides.
• Voting and Prioritization: Participants engaged in a keypad polling process, prioritizing critical themes and actions identified during discussions. Real-time technology ensured swift compilation and sharing of results.

Ensuring Transparency and Engagement:

• Clear Articulation: Table hosts provided context and clarity on each theme or action item, aiding informed decision-making during the prioritization phase.
• Promoting Engagement: Through active participation in synthesis and playback, hosts fostered a sense of ownership among participants, enhancing commitment to subsequent actions.

This approach exemplifies innovative, equitable facilitation by blending traditional methods with advanced technology. Mundo Verde School enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in stakeholder engagement, ultimately strengthening community cohesion and providing data-driven insights for strategic decisions.

Outcome:

• Enhanced community cohesion and ownership of school initiatives.
• Deeper understanding of whole-school priorities.
• Clear, data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making and foster sustainable school development.

By prioritizing inclusivity and leveraging technology, Mundo Verde School and Onward Consultants demonstrated a pioneering approach to meaningful stakeholder engagement in educational settings.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, located in Washington, D.C., stands out as a unique urban park offering a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Known for its stunning water lilies, lotuses, and diverse ecosystems, the gardens serve as a haven for wildlife and a treasured resource for the local community.

Onward Consulting utilized comparative research to uncover best practices and innovative strategies that could elevate the gardens’ impact and sustainability. Our research focused on analyzing the success of similar organizations, providing FKAG with valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

1. Selected Comparative Groups:
• Mississippi Park Connection: Known for its strong partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and innovative community engagement programs.
• Rock Creek Conservancy: Recognized for its effective volunteer recruitment and training programs, and its robust fundraising strategies.
• Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A model of earned revenue through diverse public engagement activities and comprehensive educational programs.
• Friends of Saguaro National Park: Distinguished by its high individual donor renewal rates and strong focus on community connections and volunteer recruitment.
2. Key Insights and Benefits for FKAG:
• Innovative Programming: Inspired by the success of Mississippi Park Connection, we recommended introducing kayak rentals at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This initiative not only offers a new recreational activity but also enhances visitor engagement with the park’s aquatic environment.
• Volunteer Management: Learning from Rock Creek Conservancy’s success, we proposed developing a multi-tiered volunteer plan for FKAG. This plan includes a well-organized corporate volunteer experience and targeting affinity groups to build a regular volunteer base.
• Revenue Diversification: Drawing from the Cuyahoga Valley Conservancy’s model, we suggested exploring fee-based visitor services and public engagement activities. These could include cultural events and educational programs, providing sustainable revenue streams for FKAG.

Community Engagement: Inspired by Friends of Saguaro National Park, we emphasized the importance of building strong community connections. This includes conducting outreach to local residents and organizations and developing a membership program

The comparative research conducted by Onward Consulting provided FKAG with a roadmap to enhance its programs, increase revenue, and deepen community engagement. Key benefits included:

• Enhanced Visitor Experience: The introduction of kayak rentals and other innovative programs inspired by best practices from similar organizations.
• Strengthened Volunteer Programs: A comprehensive volunteer management plan that attracts and retains dedicated volunteers, enhancing the gardens’ maintenance and community involvement.
• Sustainable Financial Models: Diversified revenue streams through fee-based services and events, ensuring the financial health and growth of FKAG.

Robust Community Relationships: Strengthened ties with the local community and stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and support for the gardens.