public participation & engagement

level 1 of public participation

low level of public participation and influence

objective for level 1 of public participation

provide balanced and objective info to support understanding by the public

inform or educate

objective for level 2 of public participation

gather info

obtain feedback on analysis, alternatives, decisions

level 3 of public participation

mid level of public participation and influence

objective for level 3 of public participation

discuss

work with public to ensure concerns and aspirations are understood and considered

objectives for level 4 of public participation

engage

facilitate discussions between public parties to identify common ground for action and solutions

level 5 of public participation

high level of public participation and influrnce

objective for level 5 of public participation

partner

create governance structures to delegate decision making and/or working directly with public

IAP2

international associated for public participation

purpose of IAP2

making better decisions that incorporate interests and concerns of stakeholders and meet the needs of those making decisions

IAP2 role of practitioner

help decision makers in being responsive to the public’s concerns and suggestions

IAP2 trust

encourage actions that build trust among all the participants

IAP2 defining the public’s role

carefully and accurately portray public’s role in the decision-making process

IAP2 openness

encourage to disclose all the information that is relevant to public’s understanding of a decision

IAP2 access to the process

stakeholders have fair access to public participation process

IAP2 respect for communities

avoid strategies that risk polarizing community interests- avoid “divide and conquer”

IAP2 advocacy

advocate for public participation process and not for one interest or party

IAP2 committment

commitments made to the public are made in good faith

IAP2 support of the practice

mentor new practitioners and educate decision-makers about the value of public participation

ideas for accessible public engagement

bring decision makers to community

think beyond open house

bring town hall online

tell stories

map your assets

walk the talk

open decision-making space

expand online consultations

let people get creative

loca partnership in decision making

how do we bring decision makers to the community

city council in community centres

public hearings at variable times

how do we think beyond the open house

gather info

offer fun activities- encourages attendance

how do we bring town hall online

engagement via social media

occurs during a set time

ask questions of decision makers and get instant answer

why do we tell stories

engagement mechanism

people love them

builds connection, access local wisdom

how do we map your assets

participatory community asset mapping

collective mapping to inform policies and activites

how do we walk the talk

walkshops

working walk where participants learn about location and can share knowledge and ideas

walking through the place we are talking about

how do we open the decision making space

open days for city halls, board and admin offices

people can learn about what’s going on

how can we expand online consultation

online consultation platform

sign-up and receive invitations to participate on multiple issues

how can we let people get creative

photo contests

design competitions

community art projects

how do we incorporate local partnerships in decision making

community advisory board

co-management board

partnerships with local organizations

how do we know what to do

know the community

background research

learn from local people

initial consultation

try to make activities relevant

respond to feedback