Assessing Meaningful Community Engagement

A new NAM Perspectives commentary features a novel conceptual model created by an interdisciplinary group of community leaders that can be used to assess community engagement. With principles of community engagement at the center, the conceptual model features domains of measurable outcomes including strengthened partnerships and alliances, expanded knowledge, improved health and health care programs and policies, and thriving communities. The conceptual model can be used to inform, guide, and measure community engagement—and reminds all parties that meaningful engagement comes from communities being at the center.