Creating Program(s) and Engagement Strategies
Last updated on 2025-09-26 | Edit this page
Estimated time: 45 minutes
Overview
Questions
- What does stakeholder participation look like?
- What kind of roles might be needed?
- What kind of programming might meet the needs of community practice? (e.g. workshop series, conferences)
Objectives
- Create program format and schedule
- Choose a content format (e.g. discussion group, workshops, project incubator)
- Choose an engagement strategy
Sample Programs and Topics
-
Open Meet Ups —
regular discussions and event series
-
Open Incubator
— hands-on workshop program
- Open Networks — network of open communities
Engagement Strategies for Communities
Don’t rely only on one-off events. Focus on strategies that build lasting engagement and create regular opportunities for the community to connect and learn.
For example, many institutions run events during Open Access Week or Love Your Data Week once a year. These can raise awareness, but ongoing programs like Open Meet Ups give people a chance to return, build relationships, and keep learning over time.
See also examples of stakeholder engagement strategies.
Exercise: Create a Program
Individually or in small groups, design a sample program:
- Set a schedule (semester, quarter, monthly, biweekly, weekly, or
asynchronous)
- Choose a format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
- Select three to four open science topics to feature
Use the table below to outline your program:
Topic | Schedule | Format | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Open Topic Example | 3 pm | Virtual | Video Conference | Speaker |
Afterward, share your program with the group or post it on a shared board.
Exercise: Engagement Strategies
Identify one or two ways to foster connection in your community:
- Pick one asynchronous strategy (for example, a
listserv or online forum)
- Pick one synchronous strategy (for example, a social gathering or discussion meeting)
Record your ideas in the table below:
Program Example | Stakeholders | Team Members | Partners | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Open Science Meet-Up | Graduate students | Library staff | Research Office | Monthly check-in |
- Focus on ongoing engagement, not one-off outreach.
- Plan programs with a clear audience in mind.
- Choose formats and strategies that support connection and
growth.