Global Community Engagement Day

Global Community Engagement Day is observed annually on January 28. This day highlights the importance of collaboration between individuals, organizations, and businesses to address local and global challenges. It serves as a call to action for people to move beyond their private circles and actively participate in the collective life of their neighborhoods and professional networks.

History of Global Community Engagement Day

The Australian organization Engage 2 Act established Global Community Engagement Day in 2018. The group, a network of community engagement practitioners, wanted to create a formal occasion to celebrate the profession and the positive outcomes of public participation. Andrew Coulson, a former board member of the organization, proposed the idea after noticing that many other common items and activities had their own dedicated days of observance while community engagement did not.

The specific date of January 28 was selected through an interactive process involving the organization’s social media followers. Engage 2 Act conducted a poll asking the public to name the most inspiring community engagement leader. Dr. Wendy Sarkissian, a renowned consultant and author in the field of urban planning and community participation, was the top-voted individual. The organizers chose her birthday as the permanent date for the holiday to honor her decades of work in helping communities find their voice.

Why is Global Community Engagement Day important?

Community engagement is a vital component of a healthy democracy and a functional society. When residents and businesses work together, they are better equipped to solve complex problems such as local infrastructure needs, environmental sustainability, and social equity. This collaborative process ensures that decisions are not made in isolation but are informed by the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of the people they affect most.

For businesses and government agencies, this day reinforces the value of transparency and trust. Engaging with the public leads to more informed decision-making and helps institutions gain the support of the communities they serve. On an individual level, participating in community efforts reduces social isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. By highlighting these benefits, the day encourages a shift from passive observation to active contribution in civic life.

• It encourages people to collaborate on solving neighborhood issues.
• The day strengthens the bond between local government and residents.
• Active engagement helps businesses build trust with their customers.
• It promotes the sharing of diverse ideas and innovative solutions.
• Participating in community events fosters a sense of social belonging.

How to Celebrate Global Community Engagement Day

You can observe this day by identifying a local issue you care about and reaching out to an organization that addresses it. Whether it is a neighborhood watch, a school board, or a local environmental group, offering your time and input is a direct way to practice community engagement. Many workplaces also use this day to launch new corporate social responsibility initiatives or to host brainstorming sessions on how the company can better serve its local area.

Sharing your engagement stories on social media with the official hashtag helps raise awareness and inspires others to get involved. You might host a casual meet-up or a “community coffee” to discuss local goals with your neighbors. If you are a leader in an organization, use the day to thank your volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions. Taking the time to listen to the concerns and suggestions of others is perhaps the most fundamental way to honor the spirit of the day.

• Attend a local town hall or community board meeting.
• Volunteer for a few hours at a nearby non-profit.
• Host a small gathering to discuss neighborhood improvements.
• Propose a new community outreach project to your employer.
• Share your volunteer experiences online to encourage others.

Global Community Engagement Day Dates Table