START UP ENGAGING COMMUNITIES & GAINING TRUST ENSURE communities INFORM, SHAPE, and CONSENT to any planned activities TRAIN community members as paralegals INVITE community leaders to TAKE PART in paralegal activities ENSURE TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECT: have clients spread the message and their knowledge PARTNER with trusted organizations within a community (schools, social workers, etc.) SHARE clear information about your project e.g. via town hall meetings. Have paralegals introduce themselves at important community gatherings. LISTEN to and incorporate community feedback. DEMONSTRATE concern about challenges faced by communities and help with these challenges; help if possible. WORK WITH GROUPS not directly affected by documentation or citizenship issues as well, to generate empathy, support and understanding, and to show you are impartial. inform clients about their respective services, to collectively meet clients’ different needs—are an excellent way of working with other organizations. However, there may be a need for building capacity among the staff of these organizations so that they understand the consequences and barriers associated with lack of documentation and the range of solutions available. Pay particular attention to collaborations with grassroots associations and social movements, which may multiply your reach on the ground, promote community trust, and keep you attuned to community-level dynamics, challenges, and grievances. Groups focusing on improving access to other socio-economic rights and services may be essential in 44 | A C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D P R A C T I T I O N E R ’ S G U I D E : D O C U M E N T I N G C I T I Z E N S H I P A N D OT H E R F O R M S O F L E G A L I D E N T I T Y