Blog Post
Developing Trust with Extremists
What's become known as the "Aarhus Model" is an interesting take on developing trust with extremists -- even those who are tempted to flee to Syria and support ISIS. It touches on the underpinnings of what we discussed in this month's Consent-Building Clinic #83, and...
If Public Officials Shouldn’t Rally Support for informed consent, is Same True for Private-Sector?
We received a question from a listener following Consent-Building Clinic #81. To paraphrase John's question: If rallying support in the public-sector is likely to backfire (and create more distrust) does the same go for the private-sector?" (To hear John's actual...
Anti-Government Stakeholders Expect More of You than They Realize From Citizen Participation
It's not news to you that the public expect things -- Roads to be maintained . . . Restaurants not to make them sick . . . Water to be safe to drink . . . Schools to educate kids . . . First responders to aid in emergencies . . . But -- did you realize, that INCLUDES...
Anti-Government Groups & Conflict Resolution: Are You Making Matters Worse by How You Define Your “Public”?
Things in Burns, Oregon might get have officially turned ugly. And while the folks at the wildlife refuge in Oregon aren't your average opponents, their stance isn't legitimate, there is an element of their stance that no public official should ignore......
Social Media: A Tool or Weapon for Informed Consent Building?
Social Media is so much more than a high-tech medium. But you already knew that, right? It's what we call, a "Meta Consent-Building Tool". IF (big IF!) you know how to use it, it can do SO much for your effectiveness, credibility, and legitimacy. Of course, it could...
Why Your Website Needs a Makeover to improve informed consent
We're often asked: "How should we use our agency's website, Facebook page, Twitter feed . . . to engage with our public?" It's a great question. (One that you won't find answers for, even if you Google your heart out trying.) You're not an employee in a business --...
Managing Stakeholders: You Can’t Take Sides, but You Aren’t “Neutral” Either
Consent-Building Clinic #73: Recorded October 2015 “Our CP Process can turn into a free-for-all of various stakeholders, each fighting as a special interest, . . . while we try to remain neutral.” "It’s a jungle out there!” is what comes to mind here. Because, of...
Don’t Jump to Decision Making Solutions! Protecting Your Public from Fatal Conflict Resolution Pitfalls
Consent-Building Clinic #72: Recorded September 2015 Help! When we involve stakeholders early in our planning process – which is something we strive to do – many of them jump prematurely to a solution." This can happen even with the more sophisticated stakeholders,...
How the Harbormaster Used This One Tactic to Gain My Trust & Informed Consent
How do you gain the trust of your public (including those who aren't even affected by your work)? The Monterey, California Harbormaster seems to know. In Consent-Building Clinic #71, we got into the nitty-gritty of how you can "Convince Stakeholders Their Input...