Engaging Communities Through Issues Forums

TOO L S TO U S E I N PL ANN I NG AN D I M P L EM E N T I NG A F O RUM

This section provides tools for assisting in the planning and implementation of your community issues forum.

 Situation Analysis and Naming and Framing Worksheet  Engaging Community — Identifying Community Capitals Worksheet  Considerations for In-Person or Online/Virtual Forums  Forum Budget Planning Template  Planning Timeline and Checklist  Suggested Progression of, and Agenda Items for, Planning Committee Meetings  Preparing for the Forum Day Checklist

STEP 1: EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

Using three sources of evidence – research, media, and local community conversations to identify and hone the public issues. Use this worksheet to make notes.

Ask:

What is the evidence suggesting is/are the issue(s)?

STEP 2: INITIAL ISSUE(S) FRAMING

Begin framing the issue(s).

Ask:

Why is this an issue? What could make this issue(s) compelling enough for community members to address the issue(s) Who might be impacted by the issues and how? How widespread might the issue be? Is there a degree of urgency to addressing the issue in your community? How can you frame and what language do you use to engage all the relevant community members?

STEP 3: INITIAL ISSUE(S) NAMING

Suggest possible names for the issue(s).

Ask:

Is the name sufficiently clear and compelling enough for community members to be willing to join in further exploration of the issue(s)?

STEP 4: SELECT ONE NAME

Your group will select one name to offer to the other groups for their response.

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