scope:

Introduction

This Guide will help you determine whether or not to involve the public in making a decision or dealing with an issue in which both you and it have an interest. If, after reviewing the first section, you decide to go ahead and seek the views and input of others, the next section will help you assess the appropriate level of public and stakeholder involvement, taking into consideration your particular goals and the time and budget available. Other parts of the Guide will help you plan a process that suits your needs and evaluate results.

A public-involvement process can be as complex as a national, multistakeholder exercise, with fixed deadlines, high stakes, and consensus as a goal. Or it can be as simple as an information-sharing exercise, in which you seek input from people gathered (in person, over the phone, or electronically) to voice and, influence points of view.

You will not find here a set formula for involving the public. It is a guide to help you make informed decisions about the most appropriate ways of involving the public.

There are no right or wrong answers to the questions in this Guide, nor is there a "best" or "worst" process. What will work for your project is a process that will deliver the results you need in the most efficient and cost-effective manner available. This Guide will help you determine where you want to be in the spectrum of public participation processes and how to get there.

A quick review of the following questions will help you determine whether this Guide is for you.

(a) What is the purpose of this Guide?

(b) What does public involvement mean?

(c) Why involve the public?

(d) How is this Guide organized?

What is the purpose of this Guide?

This Cuide aims to improve your understanding of what it can mean, and how, to involve public interests deliberately and systematically in your decision-making. The Cuide aims to develop a manager's ability to design, lead, and participate in a public-involvement process that is both appropriate to and effective in a given situation. ?t also aims to promote the development of related skills, generally, within organizations.'

More specifically, the Cuide will help you

(a) determine the extent of your need to involve the public in an upcoming decision;

(b) decide what form of public involvement is most appropriate for you;

(c) design a detailed plan for public involvement;

(d) carry it out; and

(e) evaluate results.