Introduction to Public Participation and the ILC Douglas Sarno The Perspectives Group, Inc. Alexandria, Virginia February 22, 2006

Public Participation is a big investment to prevent even bigger problems later. Any decision that could result in public outrage or opposition needs public participation.

Public Outrage Necessitates Involvement Low OutrageHigh Outrage VoluntaryCoerced NaturalIndustrial FamiliarNot Familiar Not MemorableMemorable Not DreadedDreaded ChronicCatastrophic

Public Outrage Necessitates Involvement Low OutrageHigh Outrage KnowableUnknowable Personal ControlOutside Control FairUnfair Morally IrrelevantMorally Relevant TrustworthyUntrustworthy ResponsibleUnresponsive

Don’t Get Lost in the Fallacy of Control The more you exert control, the more resistance you create Forced agreement is not agreement Good process is the best path to good agreement

If you are seeking buy-in... Then you are not doing public participation

BUY-IN

In public participation we need to provide stakeholders with a genuine opportunity to influence the decision.

What is Public Participation Any process that seeks to understand public values and use diverse public input in a planned effort to improve decision-making.

Why Do Public Participation?

So that decisions can be implemented Powerful decision-making leads to ownership Why Do P2 Reason 1

Why Do P2 Reason 2 So that all stakeholders understand Tell me, I forget Show me, I remember Involve me, I understand Chinese Proverb

Because they will participate anyway, only worse: Lawsuits Political action Protest Media Why Do P2 Reason 3

Because you want to engage all stakeholders, not just the ones who agree or disagree with you. Balanced reporting Not “us vs. them” Group influence Shared learning Why Do P2 Reason 4

Best Practices 1)Skills 2)Approach 3)Attitude

Best Practices 1)Be Clear About Intent Identify realistic role for the public Set clear goals Identify what’s on and off the table Communicate goals clearly Use the IAP2 spectrum

Best Practices 2)Commit Integrate P2 into decision making Promise only what you can deliver Deliver what you promise Demonstrate what you deliver Recognize long-term relationships

Best Practices 3)Be Inclusive There is no one “public” Seek out all important voices Resist only talking to usual suspects

Best Practices 4)Start Early Values need to be considered in developing criteria and options Engage before positions harden and anger builds Understanding must precede contribution Address human learning needs Involve others in the planning!

Best Practices 5)Communicate Credibly Know your “goodwill balance” Identify the full set of facts Be transparent Teach people how to participate Communicate from their perspective Ask for help Seek and provide feedback

Best Practices 6)Create Opportunities for Dialogue Real dialogue Focus on values and interests Get beyond surface positions Foster relationships Create small forums Learn together Partner with credible organizations

Best Practices 7)Ask the Right Questions It is not about what the public “wants” Focus on questions they can answer Start at the beginning Share responsibility for action Match your tools accordingly

Best Practices 8)It’s a Process, not an Event Don’t start with techniques Match techniques to goals Focus on continuous communication Relationships are more important than activities Pay attention to your behavior

Summary Identify legitimate role for public Identify the voices to be heard Focus on information, relationships, and dialogue Design a process and select techniques to meet your goals Communicate throughout

Tritium Case Transparent Early Ongoing Building relationships Include employees Setting stage for ILC

Public Participation and the ILC Started 2 years ago with FCTF Got input to siting criteria 11/05 ID stakeholder community Begin relationship-building Begin shared knowledge base Seek opportunities for influence