The Center for Engaged Communities allows us to include a growing portfolio of work outside of New Hampshire. It also allows us to highlight our research agenda on civic health and our interdisciplinary work within Carsey and at UNH.
Center for Engaged Communities
Center for Engaged Communities
The Center for Engaged Communities (EnCo) is the home of NH Listens and expanding research on civic health and social trust. EnCo builds on applied work for navigating controversy and misinformation with proactive engagement strategies. When communities involve people in decisions that affect their lives, it leads to fairer, more effective policies and strengthens civic health. EnCo connects the Carsey School of Public Policy to grassroots policy, engagement practice, and research, reinforcing New Hampshire’s civic health through research, dialogue, engagement, and training. As the leading force in civic design and dialogue across the state, NH Listens plays a vital role in this work. EnCo will further enhance collaboration with regional and national partners, advancing civic research, fostering community belonging, and driving civic innovation.
Who We Serve
- For community leaders who want to build inclusive and engaging public spaces, EnCo strengthens your efforts to host meaningful conversations, navigate controversy, and collaborate across differences, ensuring all voices are heard.
- For community organizations and government agencies who want to get meaningful feedback and navigate public controversy, EnCo designs data-driven approaches and training that develop skills for effective facilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire Listens is still the primary field team leading all of our community engagement work at the Center. The Center simply expands on that work regionally and nationally.
We are the same colleagues you have known in the past. When you reach out to us, we will determine together if your project is best supported by New Hampshire Listens or a broader team at the Carsey School. We have supported individuals, non-profits, local and state governments—all entities with a focus on public life.
Upcoming Events
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May 7, 202512:00pm - 12:45pm, Join NH Listens for a 45-minute informative and interactive session aimed at sharing bite-sized tips and resources from our toolbox for community engagement and facilitation. This session on unpacking neutrality as a facilitator will provide an overview of concepts such as neutrality, multipartiality, tips for how to remain neutral without being passive, and more.
