Carolyn Browne Associates

3420 Camano Vista Street, Greenbank, WA 98253 Ph: 360-222-6820 Fax: 360-222-6820
Email: cbassociates@whidbey.com

Providing community involvement and marketing research expertise since 1977

The Purpose of 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.

                                                                                                -   Carolyn Browne, Principal

                                                                                                    Carolyn Browne Associates