A Collection of Ideas and Materials for Public Participation. Water Quality Instructional Resources Information System. Monograph Series [microform] : Public Participation / Bernard J. Lukco and Richard A. Ellis

This 11-part monograph is designed to assist individuals in selecting appropriate citizen participation methods and in developing a better understanding of the decision-making process. The first section offers an historical perspective of public participation and defines its current status. The next seven sections present several techniques/methods related to public participation. Selected units from diverse sources are included to indicate types of information which are readily available as well as to present information on specific topics. Subjects include a definition of public participation, methods of transferring technical information, establishing community relations, using the media, consultation methods, group interaction techniques, and evaluation/analysis methods. Skills and knowledge required of public participation coordinators are also demonstrated. Since the quality of public participation efforts may be determined by comparing current plans with previous efforts, case studies of citizen involvement programs that have been successful (as well as those that did not meet their goals) are presented in the next section. United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations and strategies regarding public participation and a listing of documents and other resources available for public participation coordinators and others to use to increase their awareness about citizen participation are presented in the final two sections. (JN)