Delivering the Message Public Notification vs. Public Involvement Strategic Communication Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Public Notification vs. Public Involvement Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Public Notification  One-way communication  Essential for project construction and maintenance and operations activities  Can supplement PI related activities  Goal is to provide basic information that is timely and easy to understand  Minimal opportunity to provide feedback Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 3

Public Involvement  Two-way communication  Provides opportunities to interact with stakeholders and the public  A managed process that is designed to solicit input and establish dialogue  Enhances decision-making Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 4

Strategic Communication Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Strategy  Identify and establish appropriate and effective means of communication that:  Complement community demographics  Will encourage and sustain involvement  Targets intended or specific audiences  Promotes project awareness Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 6

Level of Communication  Do not rely solely on electronic means to disseminate information  Not effective outreach for underserved populations or to a community as a whole  Stakeholders can assist in determining overall communication approaches  Based on lessons learned from the past… Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 7

Avoid Conflicting Information Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 8

Be Concise Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 9

Provide Clarity Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 10

Avoid Unintended Meanings Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 11

Do Not Invite Controversy Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 12

Send the Right Message Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 13

Communicate Early and Often Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 14

Type of Communication  Dependent on project type and complexity  Determines how to convey information, status updates, decisions made, etc  Initial contact can occur through, but is not limited to:  Property Owner Notification Letters  Stakeholder Notifications  Media coverage  Dedicated Project Website  Social Media  Printed Materials Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 15

Property Owner Notification Letters  As appropriate, based on PDP Path  Common notification method  Legal notification for right-of-entry  Brief project description  Discuss preliminary work needed  Discuss anticipated impacts  Include detour/roadway closure, if known  Provide contact information DEC or PM Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 16

Stakeholder Notifications  As appropriate, based on PDP Path  Can be in response to concerns or issues on lower level projects  Can be an invitation to be a stakeholder on higher level projects  Introduce the project  Identify relevant project issues  Indicated role in decision-making Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 17

Media Coverage  Can increase public awareness, public support, and acceptance  Oftentimes requires the expertise of a Public Information Officer (PIO)  Ensures newsworthiness  Handles media requests  Coverage may include, but is not limited to:  Press releases  News articles  Interviews with various media outlets Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 18

Dedicated Project Website  Provides, but is not limited to:  Status updates  Notification of PI activities  On-line comment forms  Contact information  Typically created for Complex Path 3 and Path 4 and Path 5 projects Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 19

Social Media  In conjunction with a dedicated project website, take advantage of:  Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  Other appropriate sites sites  Use of social media has the potential to involve a more diverse audience Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 20

Social Media Over 3 Billion people- 40% of the world’s population are using the internet 87% of all American adults use the internet AND 74% of them also use social networking sites 90% of all Americans have a cell phone (64% have a smart phone) In the US- 87% of all teens (13-17 yr olds) have internet access- and 73% have a smart phone w/66% using social media! Facebook adds ½ million new users every day; 6 new profiles every second. Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 21

Social Media  Provides real-time status updates on project development  Offers flexibility to those that may not have the time or availability to attend PI events  Can be used to gather comments  Monitor and manage feedback Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 22

Printed Materials  Has potential to reach a larger audience  Presents project information  Outlines PI events and milestones  Examples include:  Fliers  Newsletters  Fact Sheets  Mail inserts  Brochures Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 23

Printed Materials  Standard recommendations include:  Be inviting and conversational in tone  Make it easy to read 6th grade reading level  Avoid jargon, technical terms, and acronyms  Can be used as regular communication throughout the life of a project Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 24

Summary  The communication tools used will depend on a project’s type and complexity  Ensure the tool used meets PI objectives and relates well to the intended audience  No single tool is going to be effective  A combination of tools may be needed to engage stakeholders and the public Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 25