The Participation Blog

I’m Sorry

A sincere, well stated apology is the most important thing to deliver when you’re dealing with someone who has, or feels like they have been wronged or mistreated. If you’re dealing with someone or some group that has a real grievance, it’s the only way that you’re going ...
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Sanctimonious Gasbags

I’m sure that my first grade teacher, Sister Mary Mercy, wouldn’t happy if she caught me saying this but let’s face it, some people are just jerksLook, I’m a committed believer and practitioner of respecting people’s opinions and treating others with civility, regardless ...
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It’s Just Not Fair!

As I’m writing this, I’m on hold again with the customer service department of my cable company that delivers my TV service, internet and telephone landlines. My phones were abruptly disconnected due to a technical change on their end after I’d been promised by two previous customer service reps that ...
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The Consequence of Fake News

Propaganda, obfuscation, spin and bull$%#t are now facts of public life to a degree that we haven’t seen before in the U.S. and helping people recognize and consider truth vs. lies will now be part of the job description for those of us engaged in the work that we do. ...
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Great Questions Engage People

Public participation, when done effectively and authentically, actively engages people in the conversation or issue that you’re trying to resolve. The Core Values established by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) does a good job of defining what that really means and differentiates public involvement from traditional public relations. ...
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