Another step is to decide what objectives you have for public participation. It is helpful to think of public participation as a social contract or promise to the public. Only ask for input that you are willing to incorporate in your decisions. Be very clear about the purpose of each meeting and explain how the public process will be used to influence the decision. For each step in the planning process, choose one or more types of participation from the following list to satisfy your objectives:

1. Awareness – to make the public aware of the issue, process or decision.
2. Education – to provide balanced and objective information to help the public better understand.
3. Input – to obtain public feedback on the issue, process, alternatives or decision.
4. Interaction – to work with the public to make sure their input is understood and considered in the decision.
5. Partnership – to provide a formal role in the decision-making process.

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