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MLGMA Conference

Learn about the definition of civic engagement, the benefits it brings, and why it can be challenging. Discover the spectrum of activities, characteristics of citizens and customers, and the changes needed for effective civic engagement. Explore the partnership wheel and essential considerations before beginning the process. Gain insights into attitudinal and behavior changes for staff, council, and citizens. Lastly, uncover valuable lessons learned for successful civic engagement.

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MLGMA Conference

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  1. MLGMA Conference Civic Engagement: Our Public as Partners Ed Everett

  2. Definition of Civic Engagement Civic Engagement Definition Harwood Institute Ed Everett

  3. Civic Engagement is not… • Selling the public on…. • Getting votes for…. • Convincing the public to…. • A meeting to complain/find fault • Having the same old discussion • A process where staff controls the outcome • Doesn’t happen at council meetings Ed Everett

  4. Why Civic Engagement? • How successful is your present interaction with your citizens? • Do you like being yelled at and criticized? • Does it make sense to continue the same old ineffective interaction with the public? Ed Everett

  5. Benefits of Civic Engagement • Create involved citizens • Build community • Engender trust • Provide cover • Develop better ideas • Implement programs faster and easier • Share responsibility • Improve job satisfaction Ed Everett

  6. Why Civic Engagement is hard • Distrust • New set of skills • Citizens v. Customers • Behavioral and attitudinal changes • Perceived lost of control Ed Everett

  7. Spectrum of Activities • Public Education • Public Deliberation • Public Dialogue Ed Everett

  8. Historical Evolution Ed Everett

  9. Customer Characteristics • Give away power • Allow other to define their needs • Consume not create • Think in terms of “I” • Feel entitled Ed Everett

  10. Citizen Characteristics • Accountable • Committed • Determines the future • Exercises power • Acknowledges change thru citizens Ed Everett

  11. Needed Changes • The view of ourselves and our community • Our discussions • Our assumptions and behaviors Ed Everett

  12. Partnership Wheel (Govt in center) Property Owners Citizens You Stakeholders Local Government Business Volunteers Faith Community Non-Profits Grant Associations Education Ed Everett 12

  13. a Partnership Wheel Partnership Wheel (Topic in center) You Citizens Property Owners City Government Business Topic Volunteers Faith Community Non-Profits Education Grant Associations Ed Everett 13

  14. Before beginning a Civic Engagement process • Are we ready? • Is it an significant issue? • Are we willing to not control the outcome? • Is the timing correct? • Do we have the resources? • How will we use the results? Ed Everett

  15. Attitudinal Changes Staff and council must change the way they perceive and engage the public . Ed Everett

  16. Staff behavior changes • Partner/consultant • Open to alternative ideas • Understand the importance of citizen values • Let go of being in control • Listen, listen, listen. Ed Everett

  17. Council behavior changes • Don’t have to know all the answers • Don’t always be at the head of the room • Don’t have to control the outcome • Listen • Be open to new ideas • Know when to follow • Understand the power of the process (Redwood City example--Recycled Water) Ed Everett

  18. Citizen behavior changes • Be citizens not customers • Accept responsibility and accountability • Give up the “blame game” • Move from “I” to “Us” • Be open to new ideas • Understand the issues (Redwood City example--Traffic) Ed Everett

  19. Lessons Learned • People will participate if the process has integrity. • Build relationships first. 3. Start civic engagement early. 4. City Manager and Council must be supportive. • Civic engagement takes time and money. 6. There will be setbacks. Ed Everett

  20. Lesson Learned 7. Staff and Council need certain skills (i.e. designing and facilitating the process) 8. Staff training is crucial. 9. All parties need to change behaviors. 10. Have a different discussion. 11. Invitation, place, layout, etc Ed Everett

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