An open-access, self-paced, online course from Â鶹¹ÙÍø's University.
This course introduces learners to Community Engagement (CE) in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Build knowledge, skills, and relationships to engage with communities in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways.
Includes six modules that explore how values, identity, ethics, and relationships shape CE work across local and global contexts. These modules will help you think more intentionally about how you work and learn with communities. Through applied learning, reflection, and examples, you will develop foundational skills in:
Reflective practice
Relational engagement
Inclusive communication
Design thinking for social change
| At a glance: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Format | Fully online, self-paced, open-access | |
| Length | Six modules | |
| Certificate | Downloadable certificate per module and full-course certificate | |
| Platform | Rise (professional learners) / OnQ (Â鶹¹ÙÍø's students) | |
| Audience | Everyone: community partners, organizational champions, staff, professional learners, faculty, students | |
Course Learning Outcomes
| By the end of this course, you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Identify and describe the 17 SDGs and explain how they relate to local and global challenges. |
| 2. | Reflect on personal values, motivations, identity, and positionality in relation to CE. |
| 3. | Apply ethical principles, I-EDIAA considerations, and intersectionality to issues of CE. |
| 4. | Demonstrate introductory skills in collaborative teamwork, relationship building, and conflict resolution. |
| 5. | Compare models and approaches to CE, including design thinking and participatory frameworks. |
| 6. | Communicate SDG-related ideas in accessible formats and develop a basic action plan for future CE. |
Modules at a Glance
1: Introduction to CE and the SDGs
Explore your values, perspectives, and understanding of CE while discovering how the 17 SDGs connect global and local challenges to diverse ways of knowing and creating sustainable change.
Module 1 Public LinkModule 1 Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Link
2: Ethics, Engagement, and I-EDIAA
Examine how identity, positionality, intersectionality, and I-EDIAA shape ethical CE and empower you to contribute to culturally responsive and sustainable social change.Module 2 Public Link Module 2 Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Link
3: Team and Partner Relations
Discover how meaningful relationships, collaboration, conflict resolution, and ethical partnership can build trust and strengthen inclusive and transformative community-engaged work.
4: Methods for Engagement and Understanding 
Explore collaborative engagement and research approaches that support co-developed goals, meaningful outcomes, and leadership for sustainability-focused community projects.
5: Exploring Communication and Knowledge Mobilization
Build human-centred communication, listening, and knowledge mobilization skills to translate diverse forms of knowledge into accessible and actionable insights for different audiences.
6: Design Thinking and Problem-Solving 
Put design thinking into practice to collaboratively address real-world challenges and develop CE strategies that advance the SDGs.