First, shut up and listen—number one. Go out in the community, sit back, take it all in—because they got a lot to say. Two, it is being transparent about why you’re there. Three, understand the community that you’re going to talk to. And also understand that not every community organization that’s in the community is doing the right work or doing the good work. 

“Get to know the aunties, the uncles on the block, the block captains. Those people are beautifully entrenched in their communities.”

One thing I noticed when we’re in these, oftentimes community members tell us “Oh, this organization, yeah, on paper, they look like they’re doing so much in my community, but they’re not.” So, understanding that these organizations that are coming into these communities all the time, they may not always be doing the work. And community members will let you know that. 

And also get to know the aunties, the uncles, uncles on the block, the block captains. Those people are beautifully entrenched in their communities. Talk with them. Work with them. Oftentimes, they can tell you so much more than what these organizations claim that they know about these communities. 

So, I think just getting to know those communities, starting there. Go out to a block party. Go to an event at the library in the community. Show up where they are. I think it’s important when you want to start. And let them know who you are and build your relationship that way.