The Public Participation Cave

Sometimes planning public engagement focused on collaborative and inclusive participation, may feel like you are Plato’s person venturing out of the cave. It feels uncomfortable and unsettling, especially if you are stepping into that space alone. Even skilled practitioners may experience this feeling, though they have been given glimpses to other caves. For in this approach, we give up some elements of control. We open the door to empower others. We can not guarantee the outcome.