SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC CONSULTATIONEMILY TORJUSSEN

Wednesday, 1 January 14

Traditionally, Public Consultation happens ‘offline’

where the ‘usual suspects’ attend

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Generally, it is an opportunity for

locals to express their reasons why the new

development should not be built in

their community

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And for the developer to build

relationships with that community

to demonstrate why and how it

could benefit their community

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As this happens ‘offline’, the usual group of people

attend these events.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/2953428679Wednesday, 1 January 14

There is a reluctancy for the developers to move this

consultation process onto social channels.

Why? Because they feel they will lose control

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BUT if they did; the benefits could easily outweigh

the initial fear..

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http:image: //www.flickr.com/photos/michaeljosh/4424657745/sizes/l/

Benefits

Reasons to use social media in the

consultation process

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Find supporters

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Disseminate Information – Avoid

Rumours

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•Raise awareness

Raise Awareness

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Collect demographic data about

supporters and opponents

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Demonstrate a willingness to engage in

dialogue

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Because the opposition are already using

it and you cannot control thatWednesday, 1 January 14

Develop a social media strategy for your

consultation

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Text

Listen

Resource

Policy

Respond

Motivate

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•Listen; who is saying what? What do their personal networks look like?

•Resource; who is available to help you deliver the strategy?

•Policies; be clear about how to use social platforms. What are you willing to do or not do?

•Respond; use the correct language and talk to your networks

•Motivate; listen and show understanding for those who will be willing to support you

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•A few key principlesA few key principles

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•Social media activity will not replace traditional methods of consultation

•Everything can be shared; be transparent but remember conversation isn't private

•Be human; people want to deal with people

•Don’t get into arguments

•Give people information so that they can make up their own mind

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•Consider all platformsConsider all platforms

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Wednesday, 1 January 14

In Summary

Find supporters, avoid rumours,

raise awareness, collect data, show

willingness and have a plan

Wednesday, 1 January 14

For more updates, follow @ewilko

Wednesday, 1 January 14