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Understanding and Approach <br /> Facilitating Public Involvement <br /> Successfully updating the Ramsey Comprehensive Plan will require that the <br /> consultant and staff engage members of the public in a way that elicits opinions -- <br /> from a wide variety of members. This is always one of the more challenging but <br /> important aspects of any city planning process, and we have learned these <br /> principles from our many years of facilitating meetings, interviews workshops and <br /> hearings. <br /> 1. Listen Respectfully. Listen attentively and honestly acknowledge the merit <br /> of each speaker's point. Everything said has merit from the speaker's point of <br /> view and each comment contributes to the mosaic of public opinion. <br /> 2. Encourage Diverse Opinions. Find ways for all points of view to be heard <br /> and for everyone to participate without fear or criticism. <br /> 3. Acknowledge that You Heard. Take notes on a large tablet or otherwise <br /> let the speaker know that his or her comment was fully heard. If there is any <br /> doubt,ensure that you heard correctly by paraphrasing and asking the speaker <br /> for confirmation. <br /> 4. Don't Take It Personally. Remember that these matters may bring rise to — <br /> strong emotions but that anger is not directed toward you personally but <br /> toward the circumstances. Change is difficult and scary. — <br /> 5. Don't Debate. The facilitator should not debate or dispute comments at a <br /> meeting but take them in and sort them out later. <br /> 6. Ask Questions. Ask questions to elicit more detailed comments or clarify <br /> meaning. Pose"what-if' situations to measure the bounds of people's --- <br /> opinions. <br /> 7. Select Effective Techniques. Select participation techniques that are <br /> appropriate to the audience and the situation. These may includeIMMIM <br /> brainstorming,unstructured conversation,nominal-group technique,dot- — <br /> voting,opinion surveys, open-house presentations, formal theater-style <br /> presentations and others. ..-, <br /> 8. Lead and Inspire. Help participants envision an attractive future. — <br /> Encourage them to seek the best outcomes. Base proposals on high ideals <br /> tempered by sound planning principles and a dose of political reality. <br /> 8. Have Fun. Encourage participation and reduce negative emotions with a -- <br /> • relaxed and friendly style. • <br /> McCombs Frank Roos Team 6-8 City of Ramsey <br />