Dr. Shawn M. Nicholson

I feel actively seeking and valuing community feedback is crucial for a community organizer. Our work serves the community, making their input essential to align your efforts with their needs and aspirations. Regular engagement through forums, surveys, or informal discussions gathers valuable insights. This feedback loop strengthens initiatives and ensures your role remains relevant and responsive. Embracing digital tools like data management software, communication apps, and online campaigning platforms further expands reach, streamlines operations, and enhances engagement, making your efforts more effective and impactful.

I love technology. It helps me stay on top of my businesses efficiently. In today's digital age, being tech-savvy is indispensable for community organizers. Familiarity with digital tools such as data management software, communication apps, and online campaigning platforms is crucial. These tools help expand reach, streamline operations, and enhance engagement. Social media can disseminate information widely, while data management software optimize resource allocation. Communication apps like Slack and Zoom facilitate real-time interaction, Prioritizing digital literacy and addressing ethical considerations ensure inclusive and responsible technology use. Embracing these tools transforms community organizing effectively.

I have adopted the philosophy, as I learn I teach. I am a life long learner. My Grandfather said, “ if you learn one new thing everyday, by the end of the year you would have learned 365 new things.” I strive for this daily. I am a sponge. It helps me stay sharp and knowledgeable, as well as prepares me for most conversations.

I agree that this is necessary. In my book, “Teach Me How To Pivot”, I discuss this very thing. I say it is imperative to develop a pivot mindset. Thе ріvоt mіndѕеt is аll about bеіng іnnоvаtіvе аnd having thе desire to trу nеw thіngѕ, but thаt can bе a ѕсаrу prospect fоr many buѕіnеѕѕ оwnеrѕ, especially іf уоu’rе well-established. If уоu’vе bееn running a ѕuссеѕѕful business mоdеl fоr a реrіоd of time, уоu know whаt уоu’rе dоіng, so thе thought of doing ѕоmеthіng rаdісаllу dіffеrеntlу саn be daunting. The раndеmіс fоrсеd реорlе’ѕ hand, to a degree, аnd hаѕ mаdе uѕ аll rеthіnk our ѕtrаtеgу. Thе buѕіnеѕѕеѕ thаt аrе going undеr are the оnеѕ thаt were already dоіng bаdlу, or the оnеѕ thаt соuldn’t fіnd nеw wауѕ оf dоіng things. 

Oftentimes we make the mistake of feeling we know what our communities need or what's best. Although this may be plausible the reality is the community knows what they want/need better. This is why community forums, roundtables, and town halls are important. They afford us the opportunity to listen to what their hearts desire. Then we can reflect on what was said and adapt our agendas to correspond accordingly.

In essence, Community Development Planners play a multifaceted role that combines research, planning, community engagement, policy-making, and project management to foster communities that are vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive.