Training Courses

Integrating Public Participation into Public Policy Consensus Processes

This two-day course focuses on methods for integrating the public into consensus-based negotiations between public agencies and their constituencies regarding public policy decisions. Methods for involving the public in consensus processes can range from public meetings and forums, to focus groups and technical workshops, to collaborative planning committees and subcommittees. This course focuses on the various participation structures and on the skills needed to convene each with success.

Participants will learn through case analysis and skills practice:

• How to determine when negotiation with interest groups is appropriate and when it is not.
• How to distinguish among the varieties of public participation methods.
• When each method is appropriate.
• How to assess whom to involve and when.
• Elements of facilitating public meetings and consensus processes.
• Whether and how to address political minefields.
• How to design processes that integrate broad public involvement with consensus agreements among representatives.