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

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.

Discussion

Think–Pair–Share

  • Does your program address the needs you identified?
  • Does the hosting team know how to facilitate discussions or training?
  • How can you help community members build confidence with open science topics?
Discussion

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.

Discussion

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
Key Points
  • 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.