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In this course block we will guide you through the questions you need to ask yourself before launching a new digital community engagement project. Setting up a digital participation process is all about preparation and planning. Let’s ensure the time you spend on this is time well spent.

What is the goal of your project? Who is the target audience? Which engagement methods are most suitable? The guiding tools we’ll be using in this course block are the CitizenLab Project Blueprint and the eParticipation Canvas.

Everything you need to know to set up an ideal participation project, from goal-setting to managing the feedback and input you receive

This course block is divided into two modules:

B1 - Setting goals and a strategy

Setting up a project should be done step-by-step. So before actually starting to design the project, let’s just take one step back and visualize the ‘ideal’ project. Does your project fulfill the necessary requirements to become a perfect, high-quality project that is likely to be a success? Where is your project situated in the policy cycle? Let’s go over the requirements together, define where you are in the decision-making process, and map the steps you need to take. 
Go to module B1

B2 - Designing your process

Once you can clearly visualize your ideal project and your methods and objectives are clear, you can start designing the project. We’ll translate your prep work into an actual pilot project by using a checklist to make sure your project design is complete. We’ll also remind you about the importance of building upon what you learned in the introductory basics module. We’ll also introduce you to different online participation methods you can use to reach your strategic goal.
Go to module B2
B1

Setting goals and a strategy

Setting up a project should be done step-by-step. So before actually starting to design the project, let’s take a little time to take one step back and visualize the ideal project.
Does your project fulfill the necessary requirements to ensure that it will be a success? Where is your project situated in the policy cycle? Let’s go over the list together and map the steps you need to take.
Activity 1 -
Find guidance in the eParticipation Canvas
Activity 2 -
Visualize your ideal engagement process with the Project Blueprint
B2

Designing your process

Time to start designing! The elements we previously introduced using the Project Blueprint and  the eParticipation Canvas should have prepared you for this step. Let’s take the topic you picked as a starting point and translate your goals and strategy into a complete project. 

So yes, at this point it’s time to get real: we recommend you go to your platform and create a pilot project, preferably around a real-life topic. If you don’t have a project in mind yet, no worries, a dummy topic is fine, too! 

In this module you’ll:
Activity 1 -
Create a complete project
Activity 2 -
Determine the right method or mix of participation methods
Activity 3 -
Final check if your project is future-proof