Why aren’t they participating?
Municipalities are often faced with having to think about different and creative ways to get people to participate. Some have coordinated community BBQs where people receive a meal and are then invited to provide input about a project or issue. Others “go to where they are” by attending local events and asking people to share their ideas. Despite these efforts the struggle to get people to take part is very real, especially in the time of a pandemic.
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.