RiC
The Rooted
in Connection TOOLKIT
The Rooted in Connection Community Engagement Toolkit is designed to be an accessible resource for grassroots organizations looking to strengthen community connections, foster engagement, and build trust. This toolkit continues to grow and improve through a co-design process—shaped by the people who use the tools, test them in real settings, and share what works and what doesn’t as feedback.
TOOLS FOR DOWNLOAD BELOW
How it works
The Rooted in Connection Community Engagement Toolkit is designed to be an accessible resource for grassroots organizations looking to strengthen community connections, foster engagement, and build trust. This toolkit continues to grow and improve through a co-design process—shaped by the people who use the tools, test them in real settings, and share what works (and what doesn’t).
To find the right tools for you...
1 | Define the engagement goals for your organization
Are you trying to engage your existing participants?
Engagement tools
Are you trying to raise awareness?
Outreach tools
Are you trying to collect insights from engagement efforts?
Understanding participation tools
2 | Browse tools by category and click on tools that align with your goals
3 | Download and customize the template as needed
The Rooted
in Connection TOOLS
The Rooted
in Connection TOOLS
Engagement tools
Tools to spark real-time connections through shared activities and presence.
Event Proposal Form
A survey template to get input from your community. How can they feel more connected to your cause?
Basic
Social Media
Guide
IN TESTING
A simple guide for social media amateurs. Learn the basics about how to leverage your presence online.
Post-Event
Checklist
IN TESTING
A quick list to help you wrap up after an event. Reflect, organize, and plan what’s next.
Outreach tools
Resources to invite people in and build trust within the community
A conversation starter for meeting neighbors where they are. Build trust, one door at a time.
Event Promoting Checklist
IN TESTING
A go-to list to help spread the word. Make sure your community knows what’s happening and how to join.
Community Partner Outreach Guide
IN TESTING
A simple guide to building relationships with local groups. Collaboration strengthens your impact.
Understanding participation tools
Ways to track who’s engaging and what’s working, so you can grow your impact.
Community Engagement Tracking Sheet
Keep tabs on how you’re connecting with your community. Track progress, spot patterns, and adapt.
Sign-in Sheet
A welcoming tool to help you stay in touch. Know who showed up—and invite them back.
Door-Knocking Data Tracking
A straightforward sheet to record who you’ve reached. Capture outreach efforts and follow up with ease.
Case study
PREVIEW
Uphams Corner Food Forest
Born out of the Uphams Corner Food Forest’s need for structured support, the Rooted in Connection Toolkit offers adaptable tools for outreach, engagement, and understanding participation. Developed through hands-on research and community collaboration, it’s designed to grow with the needs of volunteer-driven spaces—wherever they’re rooted.