At SEA, we've drawn on our experiences of working amongst the most socially disadvantaged neighhourhoods in the South West to come up with a Social Engagement Action Plan. 

1. Listen and learn // Understand the needs, issues and values of your target audiences, before pushing forward your objectives.


2. Find the common ground // Enable people and communities to pursue their own motivations so that they will understand and respond to yours.


3. Watch your language // If you want people to listen, don’t speak your language of objectives, targets and indicators.


4. Bottoms up // Allow people freedom to express themselves through creative
   and practical methods of engagement.


5. Co-Design // Don’t do to, do with. Involving people will create ownership of ideas,
   making your project more sustainable.


6. Shoot for the moon // Don't be too afraid to increase peoples aspirations so long as your being realistic about the results.


7. Demonstrate progress // People will act if they see real progress being made. And everyone likes to back a winner!


8. Forge links // Work with people and partnerships who have already gained the
   trust and respect of your audience.


9. Shout from the rooftops // Communication is vital. A good idea becomes a better idea when people subscribe to it.


10. Don’t forget the economics // Ensure your project delivers scalable, sustainable and
    measureable benefits.

So in summary, listen and learn before you think and act and who knows what inspiring people you'll meet who you could easily have written off as lacking voice.