10 Ways to Boost Engagement.

• Author: Andrews, Angela
• Position: Brief article

To engage constituents in meaningful ways, consider these ideas suggested by seasoned legislators:

1. Be genuine. Follow your passion, instincts and core beliefs.

2. Be an active listener. Emphasize listening over speaking.

3. Keep it simple. You don't have to start big. Keep your plans practical and doable. Some of the most successful practices are low-cost, no-frills conversations.

4. Pick a hot topic. Embrace controversy--these hot topics consistently draw the most people.

5. Get help. Concentrate on your role in the meeting. Use available people on your staff or in your community to help.

6. Go where the groups meet. Take the guesswork out of organizing and promoting a meeting. Participate with your neighborhood or civic association or similar organization.

7. Connect to key stakeholders. Hold richer, more productive conversations by occasionally meeting with small-business owners, school superintendents or others with common experiences or professions.

8. Bring in experts. Simplify complex topics by bringing in experts to help...