The Foundation for Development Planning, Inc. (FDPI) routinely engages with other organizations and the general public in various ways, ranging from information sharing to supporting the work of other organizations to participation in networks. That engagement is guided by a public engagement strategy.

The FDPI understands engagement as a mutually beneficial process and therefore encourages individuals and organizations to become involved in the initiatives of the FDPI. As stated by the guidelines for appointment of FDPI Associates, “the FDPI continuously seeks to be a dynamic organization that offers personal development and exploration while simultaneously providing the potential for implementing and scaling up transformative action and impact.”

Forms of Engagement

Appointment as a FDPI Associate: Individuals who share the FDPI’s philosophy of service and community and wish to be formally associated with the organization can apply to be appointed as Associates. Associates are non-voting members of the organization, with the rights and obligations thereof.

Member of Program Committees: The FDPI’s Executive Director may establish standing or ad hoc committees as program or project advisory committees, which allows volunteers to focus on their areas of interest and/or expertise.

Participation in Communities of Practice: The FDPI will establish a community of practice (COP) for each of its programs. Each COP is intended to engage in learning, research, knowledge production, and professional development for the purpose of informing and supporting the initiatives of the FDPI and its strategic partners. The COPs will also function as mechanisms to expand the professional opportunities available to its members.

Information Exchange: The FDPI routinely shares information that is relevant to Caribbean development with individuals and networks via e-groups, its Facebook page, and its LinkedIn Group. Individuals who wish to share perspectives and information on Caribbean development issues are encouraged to submit articles for publication on the FDPI’s website, in accordance with the guidelines.

Supporting Access to Information: Access to timely and credible information is a requirement for informed decision making, particularly in the context of the increasing vulnerability of Caribbean ecosystems, economies, and communities. Increasing access to information is a core initiative of the FDPI and the organization requests the financial support of individuals and organizations for its Information Access and Knowledge Production Initiative. The request for support also extends to making literature available and facilitating uptake of the materials for use in organizational, community, and national decision making processes. The literature should include, but not necessarily limited to, technical reports and peer-reviewed publications based on research and exploratory studies done in the Caribbean.

The FDPI is increasing its connection to individuals, institutions, and networks, as well as its participation in initiatives at community, national, and regional levels. Whether you are a young professional or a retiree, engagement with the FDPI offers opportunities to explore new interests, contribute at your pace and scale, connect to regional and international initiatives, and participate in transformative action.

Let’s work together to create the tools and support systems that advance our collective work in building a sustainable and just Caribbean.

Referenced Documents

FDPI’s Public Engagement Strategy  https://www.fdpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FDPI-Public-Engagement-Strategy.pdf

Guidelines for Appointment of FDPI Associates  https://www.fdpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Interim-Guidelines-for-Appointment-of-FDPI-Associates.pdf

Guidelines for Submission of Guest Articles for Publication on the FDPI’s Website  https://www.fdpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Guidelines-for-Guest-Articles-for-FDPIs-Website.pdf

Editor’s Note

Lloyd Gardner is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Development Planning, Inc.