Session 1: Overview of Stakeholder Engagement

This session provides an introduction to stakeholder engagement and the process through which stakeholders become involved and invested in an initiative. This information sets the stage for a closer look at stakeholder engagement and its application to your work in your state's data system initiatives. Other sessions in this module present specific strategies for participating as a stakeholder in cross-agency data system initiatives in your state and for leading your own Part C and/or Part B 619 data system initiatives.

Throughout this session, it may be helpful to refer to the Principles of Stakeholder Engagement located in the Resources callout box above. For ease of access, this important resource and others presented in this session are available in the Resources and Citations section of the module, as well.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Define stakeholder engagement;
   
• Describe various reasons or purposes for gathering stakeholder input;
   
• Identify the guiding principles of effective stakeholder engagement; and
   
• Identify the stages of the stakeholder engagement process.