Guide: Ladder of Engagement Framework

**Objectives:

Map a clear, step-by-step pathway that guides individuals along a Ladder of Engagement, starting from the bottom of the ladder from initial issue awareness along to the top rungs of sustained participation, advocacy, and leadership.
Equip coalitions and organizational leadership with a structured framework to place individuals in Level of Engagement roles, support systems, and training(s) that match their current level of engagement.
Build engagement and leadership capacity over time by defining actionable next steps at each stage that strengthens Power Within. </aside>

Campaign and coalition leaders should develop a Ladder of Engagement before beginning outreach or engagement activities

Time Required: 30-45 minutes to draft or revise as a leadership team. Ongoing use throughout a campaign or organizing effort

Resources Needed: Participant roles list, One-to-One Contact & Leadership Development Tracker, a shared planning document, flip chart paper, sticky notes, markers, or a printed template.

Audience Setting: Small group of organizers, staff, or leadership team.

This activity can both be done in a virtual or in-person environment, with a preference for an in-person setting.

Step 1: Summarize your campaign strategy in one or two sentences and write it at the top of a paper or flipchart. If you are working in a big group, do this on large paper at the front of the room.

Step 2: Use Exercise #1 or draw a ladder with five rungs. The number of levels or rungs can be customized depending on your campaign needs. Label the bottom rung “Level 1 | Low Engagement” and the top rung “Level 5 | High Engagement.”

Step 3: Write your specific engagement goal for the highest level or rung. What do you ultimately want people to do? This would be the activity that requires the highest level of engagement or effort, e.g., elect someone to be a neighborhood coordinator, mobilize others to vote, join a blockade, etc.

Step 4: Brainstorm possible actions for each rung of the ladder, with the lowest rung for the least effortful activities. Suggestion: If you’re in a large group, break out into smaller groups and write those possible actions/ activities on sticky notes.

Step 5: Place sticky notes on the flipchart, then do a gallery walk or an overview of all ideas presented. Shift sticky notes as needed to reflect the effort, risk, time, and resources required for each action, and agree on their position on the ladder.

Step 6: Assess, prioritize, and select key steps that you will take for each level/ rung.

As part of the exercise or as a follow-up, write an implementation plan that answers key questions like:

<aside> 📌

Who is responsible for what?
What resources exist or are needed?
How will progress be measured?
How will you hold each other accountable to the responsibilities you committed to? </aside>

Step 7: Make sure every rung has a meaningful “next ask.” Pair increased responsibility with support, training, and follow-up.

It is possible for this activity to be expanded upon and lengthened in time or done across multiple sessions to reach its intended objectives.

Example #1:

Ladder of Engagement Framework

Campaign Strategy: By the end of the 2027 legislative session, secure state funding and policy commitments that expand access to free, healthy school meals for all K–12 students in Colorado, with an emphasis on increasing access to fresh, culturally relevant foods and reducing barriers for low-income families.

Level of Engagement (High to Low)	Engagement Goal(s): Description of this Level	Example Actions/ Indicators	Support or Training Needed	Next Step/ Next Ask
**🌟 Level 5	Leader / Super Advocate**	Helps lead strategy, coordination, and leadership development of others.	Runs prep meetings, trains others, facilitates, helps make decisions, and mentors new leaders.	Ongoing coaching, shared leadership support, and strategic planning opportunities.
**Level 4	Advocate**	Recruits others, represents the group, and helps move work forward.	Organizes others, speaks publicly, manages communications, and recruits participants.	Leadership coaching, public speaking practice, and deeper strategy conversations.
**Level 3	Contributor**	Takes on responsibilities and follows through.	Collects signatures, helps with turnout, and volunteers for campaign tasks.	Coaching, check-ins, role clarity, and political education.
**Level 2	Participant**	Takes part in activities and shows interest in staying connected.	Attends events, joins group chat, brings a friend, and helps with a simple task.	Clear communication, encouragement, relationship-building, and small responsibilities.
**Level 1	Observer / Aware**	Has shown initial interest and awareness, but has not yet taken on a deeper role	Signs a petition, follows our social media, attends one event, and joins the email list.	Basic orientation, issue education, invitation into conversation.