Digital Community Engagement in Practice: Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Futures

Digital Community Engagement in Practice: Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Futures

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tchdrcmeng-13


Open Publication PDF →

This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global

Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →

About the Article

Digital technologies have redefined how communities connect, deliberate, and act. This article synthesizes theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and international case studies to demonstrate how social media, mobile tools, collaborative platforms, and open-source systems can advance inclusive participation, transparency, and sustainable development. It argues that digital engagement succeeds when technological innovation aligns with human-centered design, cultural relevance, and long-term community ownership. Persistent barriers—such as affordability, infrastructure gaps, and digital literacy deficits—are addressed through integrated strategies combining capacity-building, policy support, and participatory governance. By situating digital community engagement within the broader goals of social equity and resilience, the article provides a roadmap for practitioners and scholars to co-create sustainable and empowering digital ecosystems.

Key Topics

  • Digital participation and inclusion
  • Participatory governance and accountability
  • Social media and collaborative platforms
  • Digital literacy and community capacity
  • Sustainable and equitable design
  • Long-term community ownership

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Digital Community Engagement in Practice: Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Futures. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tchdrcmeng-13

References

Aker, J. C., & Mbiti, I. M. (2010). Mobile phones and economic development in Africa. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 24(3), 207-232.
https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.24.3.207

Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011). From game design elements to gamefulness: Defining "gamification." Proceedings of the 15th International Academic MindTrek Conference, 9-15.
https://doi.org/10.1145/2181037.2181040

Hilbert, M. (2011). Digital gender divide or technologically empowered women in developing countries? Women's Studies International Forum, 34(6), 479-489.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2011.07.001

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Tech-Driven Community Engagement. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/tech-driven-community-engagement-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding community engagement in development practice. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tchdrcmeng-02

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Sustaining community engagement: Strategies for long-term participation and ownership. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tchdrcmeng-10

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring and evaluating digital engagement efforts. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tchdrcmeng-08

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Networks & alliances: Strategies for social impact. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/collaboration-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Participatory development for change. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/participatory-development-2025

Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & Stansbury, M. (2003). Virtual inequality: Beyond the digital divide. Georgetown University Press.

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage.

Warschauer, M. (2004). Technology and social inclusion: Rethinking the digital divide. MIT Press.
https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/6699.001.0001

Wyche, S. P., & Olson, J. S. (2018). Kenyan women's rural realities, mobile Internet access, and "Africa rising." Information Technologies & International Development, 14, 33-47.

https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/digital-community-engagement-in-practice-toward-inclusive-and-sustainable-futures
426
October 7, 2025