SAS+Associates public and facilitation process uses a variety of techniques to assist communities in the public input process. The primary goal for most projects it to collect input through a inclusive process assuring a balanced result.
Some of the potential methods and goals of the facilitation process to work toward “Consensus Building” may include:
- Involve the community and stakeholders / keep them informed
- Use a wide range of tools to solicit input (“Dotocrocy”, chip games, etc.)
- E-Democracy –Keypad Polling
Elements of successful feedback to citizens may include:
- Listen and let them know you listened
- Understand the motives of the opposition
- Provide clear communications that Data wins
Elements and results needed for facilitation:
- Careful analysis of existing conditions and responsive planning
- Recommendations based on realistic projections
- Opinion survey results can be used to support recommendations
- Keep plans flexible