4. Work to optimize communication and the flow of information
| WHAT? |
Various means for communicating with and informing the public
are available. Some require face-to-face interaction, while
others are designed for use at a distance. The news media can
play an important role in disseminating information and should
be considered as part of this process. |
| WHY? |
Participation requires an informed citizenry, and
communication and information flows are an essential for
effective planning and problem solving. They:
 |
demonstrate
the agency's interest in public opinion |
|
force
the agency to clarify and articulate plans, policies and
positions |
|
help
the agency test concepts and alternatives |
|
help
people decide to participate |
While public input is best accomplished face-to-face, not all
stakeholders will attend meetings and workshops, and it is
important to use other mechanisms, such as the news media, as a
way to inform them of emerging issues, and to obtain their
opinions and ideas as part of decisionmaking.
Carefully managed media relations allow the agency (or
community group or both) to frame the message. Media can provide
information on projects, plans, and proposals or on the public
participation process, committees, schedule of meetings, etc. |
| WHO? WHERE? |
Some information materials are designed for special audiences
or target groups, while others are designed for a mass audience.
Many allow people to participate from their homes or businesses. |
| WHEN? |
The timing of input and dissemination of information should be
planned carefully to coincide with specific milestones or steps
in the planning process. For example, newsletters and other
mailings should be distributed in anticipation of public
meetings or significant planning decisions. |
| HOW? |
1. Public input and opinions
|
surveys,
interviews and polls |
|
public
review and comment |
|
electronic
networking |
2. Public presentations
|
briefings |
|
conferences |
3. Public information/materials
|
fact
sheets |
|
brochures |
|
newsletters |
|
internet
websites |
4. Use of the news media:
|
public
notices, press releases |
|
news
conferences |
|
feature
stories |
5. Electronic networking and use of
the internet |
| STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS |
Strengths: The foundation of participation is accurate
and well presented information. Public communication and
information are an essential and critical part of any
participation, involvement, and collaboration program. A
combination of different approaches is generally needed to
effectively communicate with diverse publics and at different
times of the process. Materials work best when coordinated with
other involvement practices, such as meetings, workshops,
advisory committees, and collaborative groups. [need links to
these tools]
Limitations: No one participation tool is perfect in
reaching an entire community:
|
surveys
and interviews are limited by response rates, |
|
review
and comment methods are limited to those with time and
ability to read and constructively comment on documents,
and |
|
electronic
networking is limited to those with networked computers
and the desire and capability to use them. |
Different methods must be used throughout the process to
obtain early feedback on issues, mid-course opinion of
alternatives, or late phase reaction to a pending decision. |
| CASES |
|
| REFERENCES & LINKS |
Community Toolbox:
Bringing Solutions to Light
University of Kansas Work Group on Health Promotion and
Community Development in Lawrence, KS, and AHEC/Community
Partners in Amherst, MassachusettsPublic
Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision Making
Federal Highway Administration, September 1996
Public
Information Materials |
|
