Last November, the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, a group of interfaith leaders, wanted to do something concrete to support voters during the election season.
The concern was real. After what happened during the “summer of hate” in 2017, and with reports of possible voter intimidation on election day, the idea was simple: show up at voting precincts as a calming, pastoral presence. No campaigning. No protests. Just clergy and faith leaders being visibly present to promote peace, hospitality, and moral courage.
But even as we shared a common goal, we also had to get clear on what role we were actually playing in this effort. Were we just offering information? Were we partnering with election officials? Were we empowering voters to lead?
As I reflect on that experience, it would have been helpful if I had known about the Spectrum of Public Participation—developed by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). It outlines five ways groups like ours can engage the public: Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, and Empower.
Using our interfaith voter presence as an example, here’s what each role would look like.
1. Inform – “Here’s what we’re doing, and why.”
At its most basic level, our group’s job might be just to inform the public and the voting community.
For instance, we might create flyers or handouts that explains:
- Who we are
- Why we’re showing up at the polls
- What we will and won’t do (e.g., we’re not part of law enforcement, we’re not monitoring voters—we’re simply there as a peaceful presence)
This level is about transparency. We’re not asking for feedback—we’re just making sure people understand what’s happening.
2. Consult – “We’d love to hear your input.”
Maybe your group wants to do more than just show up—you want to listen to community members about what they need.
This could look like hosting a community forum ahead of the election to hear from voters:
- What have their past voting experiences been like?
- Where do they feel most vulnerable or anxious?
- What could clergy presence look like that feels helpful—not performative?
You’re not making promises to change everything, but you’re asking: What do you need from us? That’s consultation.
3. Involve – “We want you at the table with us.”
Let’s say you take it a step further and involve community members—especially voters from marginalized neighborhoods—in planning the pastoral presence.
You invite them to help draft your code of conduct for precinct volunteers. Maybe they review your materials or role-play scenarios to prepare clergy for what they might encounter.
At this level, you’re not just listening—you’re shaping the process together.
In order to increase involvement, lower or remove barriers for full participation, by offering transportation, childcare, stipends, etc. to community members.
4. Collaborate – “We’re building this with you.”
Collaboration is where co-ownership kicks in. When collaborating, be ready to share power. While your group may still play a central role, it’s more about being one of many trusted partners.
Maybe you work directly with local election officials, community organizers, and even voter protection lawyers to design the entire precinct support effort.
- You share decision-making.
- You build training materials together.
- You check in regularly and revise based on what’s working.
Everyone brings something vital to the table—and the plan wouldn’t function without everyone’s voice.
5. Empower – “You decide what happens next.”
Empowerment is the deepest level of public participation. It’s where you hand over real decision-making power. Offer support, resources, and amplification—but let others be the center and lead.
In our voter support scenario, this might mean the community members themselves—particularly those who’ve experienced voter suppression—lead the entire effort. The clergy and faith leaders serve as supporters, not directors.
They set the goals. They decide who shows up and how. The power rests with those most affected.
So… Which Role Are You Playing?
Here’s the thing: none of these roles is inherently better than the others. They’re just different—and they each have their place depending on the context, timing, and goals of your effort.
What doesn’t work is pretending to empower people when you’re really just informing them. Or calling something collaboration when no one else is helping make decisions.
The key is to be honest about the role you’re playing—with yourself, your partners, and your community.
The Role We Played…
Reflecting back on the election season last November, community members served mostly in a consulting role, telling the Clergy Collective that they wanted a pastoral presence at voting precincts. Since some members of the Collective were also members of marginalized communities feeling vulnerable, we involved them in planning our pastoral presence. We collaborated with Election Defenders, which provided training on de-escalation, communication, the OODA Loop, and more. We also informed our faith communities and the voting public of our peaceful presence on election day.
Bottom Line for Organizers
If you’re a community organizer gearing up for civic engagement, the Spectrum of Participation can be helpful to get your bearings.
Start your planning meetings by asking:
- “Are we just here to share information, or are we open to input?”
- “Do we want community members helping design this?”
- “Who really gets to make the final decisions?”
When you get clear on your role, you build trust. And trust is the bedrock of real, lasting change.
Credit: This framework is adapted from the Spectrum of Public Participation, developed by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). It’s a powerful tool—worth bookmarking and revisiting.