Kid diseases that have been inconsequential for decades because of childhood immunization programs are making a comeback because those programs are now under assault. We have at least one avowed anti-vaxxer Presidential candidate making noise. Trust in credible institutions and science is deteriorating. Up is down, black is white, and ...
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Every once in a while, we can all use a shot in the arm (or in my case, a shot). When true public participation presents itself, we need to celebrate it. If you’re looking for lessons, guidance and good examples, I can’t think of a better inspiration than Vermont Town ...
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We’re way over-surveyed and it drives me a little nuts. I don’t want to “provide my customer experience to help them serve me better” every time I buy a pack of gum at 7-11. Online reviews especially have gone overboard and I ignore ’em . . . unless I have ...
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The value of humility can’t be overstated when it comes to preventing and reducing conflict. It seems counterintuitive to professionals who have worked hard their entire lives to develop a high level of expertise and confidence in their own abilities in their respective fields. So, to be asked to be ...
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The results are in and the news isn’t good for political leaders. According to a recent and expansive U.S. News & World Report/Harris Poll survey, 72% of people don’t trust them. But on the encouraging side, people also said exactly what it will take for them to earn the trust ...
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Excellence is defined as being outstanding or extremely good. You may not agree with or like some of the following people who excel at connecting, but you should appreciate their ability to do so. Bill Clinton has a remarkable ability to connect with mass audiences, and also make individuals in ...
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We’ve raised this in past issues, but obviously the obvious is not always that obvious, so it bears repeating: possibly the most important component of public engagement is active, intentional listening. I’m sure that you know the basics, it’s part of the core beliefs and fundamental work of our ...
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It was recently suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace community engagement people, like AI is predicted to replace 375 million jobs globally by 2050. It won’t. AI will have, and is having, a major effect on data driven and technical fields, but when it comes to context, nuance, emotion ...
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One of my refrigerator magnets reads, “Use Your Words.” I got it at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., years ago, before, sadly, it closed for lack of funding. To cite a quote often attributed to Nietzsche, “All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and ...
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My partners (Wendy and Doug) and I concluded a while ago that the best, most effective community engagement is happening at the local level. It stands to reason that the closer those who govern are to those who are governed, the greater the chance for real, authentic public participation. Consider ...
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