A checklist to help you determine the scope of the process
Before you begin...
| ASK YOUR SELF… | YES | IF THE ANSWER IS NO |
|---|---|---|
| Can anything change as a result of participation? | A participatory process may not be right for you. Consider using traditional communication methods instead. | |
| Do you have enough resources both time and money to run the process? | It may not be wise to undertake a process which may fail due to lack of resources. Both time and money are needed to secure success. | |
| Is the decision maker supportive of your participation process? | Consider how to gain their support – if this is not an option then reconsider the process objectives. | |
| Is the issue one which is of interest to your intended participants? | Consider what your proposed participants could get out of engaging in the process | |
| Have you considered which participants you aim to engage? | Take time to work out who you want to involve and why. Sketch out ideas on the mix of people you would like in the group and the numbers involved. | |
| Do you have shared clarity on the general type of outputs you are seeking? | Work with the key decision maker in order to establish how best to use the information gathered. | |
| Have previous attempts at involving the public been successful? | Speak to those involved in organising previous processes and find out what could be improved. | |
| Is your process the only current attempt to involve these participants around this issue? | Consider partnering with other organisations or groups working in a similar area. |