-
WHAT ARE PUBLIC FORUMS?
-
WHY CONDUCT THEM?
-
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC FORUM?
-
HOW SHOULD YOU ORGANIZE A PUBLIC FORUM?
-
HOW SHOULD YOU CONDUCT A PUBLIC FORUM?
Public forums and listening sessions are a valuable resource in upholding open lines of communication with the public. Citizen participation in community projects can help identify and solve problems. This section explains how community leaders can implement public forums and listening sessions into community building and use the results to shape their projects.
WHAT ARE PUBLIC FORUMS?
In the "public forum" or public problem-identification and problem-solving session, citizens discuss important issues such as health problems. In this well-publicized meeting, the facilitators lead a discussion of various aspects of the issue like the community's strengths and potential problems. A transcript of their ideas about the dimensions of the issue--and what can be done to solve problems and preserve strengths--provides a basis for subsequent planning.
Public forums:
- Give people of diverse backgrounds a chance to express their views
- Are a first step toward understanding the community's needs and resources
WHY CONDUCT THEM?
- They can offer your group valuable insights into the community
- They can provide a database for guiding and explaining actions
- They can help link your group with people who are able and willing to help
- They can provide the group with feedback
Public forums, also referred to as town meetings, are open to everyone in the community. These public meetings offer people from diverse backgrounds a chance to express their views about key issues of concern to you and what can be done about them.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC FORUM?
- Meeting place
- Community members
- Easel/newsprint /markers
- Facilitator
- Recorder
- Willingness to listen carefully
Issues and Concerns
- What are the problems?
- What are the consequences?
- Who is affected?
- How are they affected?
- Are there related issues of concern?
- Are these issues of widespread concern?
Barriers
- Who or what might oppose efforts to prevent or solve the problem?
- Can they be involved effectively?
- What are the other limits on effective prevention/treatment?
- How can the barriers and resistance be overcome?
Resources for Change
- What resources are needed?
- What local people or groups could contribute?
- What monies and materials are needed?
- Where might they be obtained?
Alternatives and Solutions
- What are alternatives for addressing the problem, given the anticipated barriers?
How should you organize a public forum?
- Hold meetings at different sites to get real representation.
- Schedule the forum at an easy-to-find, public location which is accessible and comfortable - for example, a library, school or church.
- If possible, hold the forum in the evening to avoid time conflicts with work and school.
- Publicize the forum as widely as possible. Fliers, advertisements, public service announcements and press releases can all be used. Make sure the date, time, location and purpose of the meeting are included.
- Personally recruit community leaders and diverse community members to attend the meetings. Ask them to recruit others as well.
- Provide transportation to the meeting if necessary.
- Serve light refreshments if possible. They encourage mingling and set a friendly tone.
HOW SHOULD YOU CONDUCT A PUBLIC FORUM?
More information.
Access Checklist, Examples, & Powerpoint.
YouthPower
