Editing Engagement Levels Overview

{{Words of Wisdom WOW only
| wisdom =
Members engage in different ways — and all forms of participation are valid.

A strong Local Group offers multiple ways for members to feel connected, without requiring members to engage in a specific way.
}}

== Purpose ==
Provide a simple framework for understanding and designing member engagement across different levels of participation.

== The Engagement Spectrum ==

Engagement is not a binary (active vs inactive). It is a spectrum:

{| class="wikitable"
! Level !! Primary Goal !! Typical Experience !! Examples
|-
| [[Low-Commitment Activities|Low Commitment]]|| Easy entry || Flexible, optional, low-pressure || Coffee meetups, newsletters, virtual chats
|-
| [[Medium-Engagement Activities|Medium Engagement]]|| Build connection || Some structure, repeat participation || Book clubs, workshops, group outings
|-
| [[High-Engagement Activities|High Engagement]]|| Create ownership || Responsibility, leadership, contribution || Hosting events, committees, leadership roles
|}

== How the Levels Work Together ==

These levels are not steps that members must follow.

* Members may stay at one level indefinitely  
* Members may move between levels over time  
* Different levels meet different needs  

The goal is not to “move everyone up” — it is to provide options.

== Why This Framework Matters ==

Using engagement levels helps Local Groups:

* Reach more members  
* Reduce barriers to participation  
* Support different interests and availability  
* Build sustainable volunteer pipelines  

A group that only offers one level will unintentionally exclude members.

== Designing a Balanced Activity Mix ==
A healthy Local Group offers opportunities across multiple engagement levels.

{| class="wikitable"
! Engagement Level !! Typical Focus !! Examples
|-
| Low
| Easy entry
| Casual or drop-in activities
|-
| Medium
| Connection and consistency
| Recurring groups or structured activities
|-
| High
| Ownership and contribution
| Organizing, hosting, or leadership opportunities
|}

Balance matters more than any single activity.

== Using This Framework in Practice ==

When planning activities, ask:

* What level of engagement does this activity support?  
* Who is this designed for?  
* Are we offering enough variety across levels?  

This helps ensure your calendar serves a broad range of members.

== Common Misconceptions ==
* '''High engagement is better.'''
** All engagement levels are valuable.

* '''Members should be encouraged to participate more.'''
** Engagement should be invited, not pressured.

* '''“Non-attending members are disengaged.”'''
** Many members engage through communication, identity, or passive participation.
== Related ==
* [[Member Engagement]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Low-Commitment Activities]]
* [[Medium-Engagement Activities]]
* [[High-Engagement Activities]]