COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Public involvement begins with a sincere desire to communicate and interact with the public and to better understand perceptions and attitudes relating to a particular project.
People tend to respond positively when they are given accurate information and the parameters that affect decisions to be made; in other words, when they understand where their opinions will make a difference. It is important to explain from the beginning of a project which issues are set and where public opinion can influence the outcome.
In general, the objectives of a community involvement program may include one or more of the following:
- To learn about peoples’ perceptions and knowledge about the project
- To educate the public about possible alternatives and to clarify options; i.e. people need to know where their opinions will be wanted and be of value to the planners and decision-makers
- To obtain responses to possible alternatives and to assess positive solutions
- To measure changing levels of awareness and acceptance
- To identify elements that will make a project more acceptable to the public in order to promote these elements through various media
The objectives of a community involvement program influence which research and/or promotional tools will best serve the needs of those given the responsibility for directing a project and gaining public acceptance.