Deliveringthe Message

Public Notification vs. Public InvolvementStrategic Communication

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Public Notificationvs.

Public Involvement

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Public Notification One-way communication

Essential for project construction and maintenance and operations activities

Can supplement PI related activities Goal is to provide basic information that is

timely and easy to understand Minimal opportunity to provide feedback

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Public Involvement Two-way communication Provides opportunities to interact with

stakeholders and the public A managed process that is designed to solicit

input and establish dialogue Enhances decision-making

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Strategic Communication

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Strategy Identify and establish appropriate and effective

means of communication that: Complement community demographics Will encourage and sustain involvement Targets intended or specific audiences Promotes project awareness

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Level of Communication

Do not rely solely on electronic means to disseminate information Not effective outreach for underserved

populations or to a community as a whole Stakeholders can assist in determining overall

communication approaches Based on lessons learned from the past…

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Avoid Conflicting Information

Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 8

Be Concise

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Provide Clarity

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Avoid UnintendedMeanings

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Do Not Invite Controversy

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Send theRight Message

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CommunicateEarly and Often

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Type of Communication Dependent on project type and complexity

Determines how to convey information, status updates, decisions made, etc

Initial contact can occur through, but is not limited to: Property Owner Notification Letters Stakeholder Notifications Media coverage Dedicated Project Website Social Media Printed Materials

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Property Owner Notification Letters

As appropriate, based on PDP Path Common notification method

Legal notification for right-of-entry Brief project description Discuss preliminary work needed Discuss anticipated impacts Include detour/roadway closure, if known Provide contact information

DEC or PM

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Stakeholder Notifications

As appropriate, based on PDP Path Can be in response to concerns or issues on

lower level projects Can be an invitation to be a stakeholder on

higher level projects Introduce the project Identify relevant project issues Indicated role in decision-making

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Media Coverage Can increase public awareness, public support,

and acceptance Oftentimes requires the expertise of a Public

Information Officer (PIO) Ensures newsworthiness Handles media requests

Coverage may include, but is not limited to: Press releases News articles Interviews with various media outlets

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DedicatedProject Website

Provides, but is not limited to: Status updates Notification of PI activities On-line comment forms Contact information

Typically created for Complex Path 3 and Path 4 and Path 5 projects

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Social Media In conjunction with a dedicated project

website, take advantage of: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Other appropriate sites sites

Use of social media has the potential to involve a more diverse audience

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Social Media•Over 3 Billion people- 40% of the world’s population are using the internet

•87% of all American adults use the internet AND 74% of them also use social networking sites

•90% of all Americans have a cell phone (64% have a smart phone)

• In the US- 87% of all teens (13-17 yr olds) have internet access- and 73% have a smart phone w/66% using social media!

•Facebook adds ½ million new users every day; 6 new profiles every second.

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Social Media Provides real-time status updates on project

development Offers flexibility to those that may not have the

time or availability to attend PI events Can be used to gather comments

Monitor and manage feedback

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Printed Materials Has potential to reach a larger audience Presents project information Outlines PI events and milestones Examples include:

Fliers Newsletters Fact Sheets Mail inserts Brochures

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Printed Materials Standard recommendations include:

Be inviting and conversational in tone Make it easy to read

6th grade reading level Avoid jargon, technical terms, and acronyms

Can be used as regular communication throughout the life of a project

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Summary The communication tools used will depend on a

project’s type and complexity Ensure the tool used meets PI objectives and

relates well to the intended audience No single tool is going to be effective A combination of tools may be needed to

engage stakeholders and the public

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