Listen! A public engagement workshop

Social justice requires that we have methods for listening to the public and to reach out to hear the voices of those less often heard. The President's Open Government Directive calls upon federal agencies to incorporate public engagement into their policy-setting processes. As President Obama states, “Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions.” Public engagement when done well is an extraordinary tool for improving public health policies and fostering support for the public health enterprise. But when it's done poorly, it can be harmful and foster mistrust. This workshop offers an opportunity to learn from public health professionals experienced in the art and science of public engagement and to get your questions answered about the many choices to be made as you plan and implement a public engagement process. All have helped lead public engagements about pandemic planning, but lessons learned about methods extend well beyond the topic of pandemic. Eight roundtables, described in individual abstracts, will simultaneously discuss a range of topics essential to successful engagements: (1) fostering and demonstrating agency leadership and commitment to the public engagement process; (2) crafting useful questions to bring to the public; (3) partnering with the community; (4) recruiting the public; (5) tailoring events to particular populations; (6) principles for good facilitation, including tools and tips; (7) pros and cons of large and small group engagements; (8) budget considerations and ideas for saving funds where you can. During this session, you will have an opportunity to go to two or three of the roundtables; bring your colleagues to attend the others. Whether you are in the midst of planning an engagement or wondering how to start, come with your questions and ideas.