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The Engagement Network is built on shared responsibility. When groups join, they agree to stay engaged, follow the expectations outlined below, and partner with us in a way that reflects the City’s values. Participation in the Network is a privilege, and we reserve the authority to pause or remove a group’s membership if guidelines aren’t followed.
Staying Engaged
To remain an active member, each organization must:
- Have a defined interest, value, culture, topic, or demographic of people served
- Hold at least one meeting per year
- Have officers and a contact person
- Be non-partisan
- Be open to the public
- Have a constitution, bylaws, and/or mission statement
- Demonstrate a continued commitment to fostering active methods of engagement, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening partnerships between residents and the City of Raleigh.
- Respond to City staff when follow-up or clarifications are needed.
- Update contact information within ten business days of any change.
General Membership to Tier 1 Eligibility
To move from General Membership to Tier 1, groups must complete the following:
Participation and Engagement
- Attend at least three Community Cares Collaborative sessions.
- Complete one one-on-one consultation with Community Engagement staff. (focus area may include fundraising, volunteer engagement, strategic planning, etc.).
- Submit yearly business meeting minutes.
- Complete a mid-year check-in with the Community Engagement Analyst.
Outreach and Visibility
Members help strengthen the network by:
- Providing accurate information for the public Engagement Network directory.
- Using City-supported printed materials at least once per year.
- Participating in at least one community event, tabling opportunity, or engagement activity.
Tier 1 to Tier 2
To move from Tier 1 to Tier 2, groups must demonstrate both continued engagement and capacity-building:
- Complete the professional development certificate program through an approved higher-education partner.
- Complete the Post-Training Form.
- Participate in at least two additional Community Cares Collaborative sessions beyond the general membership requirement.
Tier 2
- Users may:
- Apply for the Engagement Network Grant of $1,000 (with a required match of at least 50 percent of the costs of a project) for projects that expand community impact.
- Eligible users may receive a Zoom license to support their meetings.
Annual Renewal
Every group must complete an annual renewal form that includes:
- Updated contact information.
- Summary of activities.
- Confirmation that the group wants to remain active.
Groups that complete all tiers may be recognized as Alumni Partners with limited but continued visibility on the website.
Accountability and Compliance
To keep the Engagement Network strong and fair across all partners, the City may:
- Request documentation related to participation.
- Place a temporary hold on benefits if guidelines aren’t followed.
- Remove a group from the network if expectations are repeatedly unmet or if actions conflict with the City’s policies, values, or the intent of the program.
Our goal is always partnership, transparency, and shared impact. When groups stay engaged, meet expectations, and communicate with us regularly, they remain in good standing and can access the benefits of the Network.