School districts across the nation are reaching out to their communities in hopes of creating support for their programs. Toward that end, this article provides a rationale for and an overview of the elements of effective community engagement. The author outlines the need and analyzes the shift toward new approaches in community engagement. Next, the author outlines eight key elements of effective community engagement framed around the questions, "What do we want for "our" children?" and "Why do we want to engage people and what do we hope to achieve?" The article concludes with a reminder of the important roles played by community members and school boards in making critical decisions.