A decision-making process that accepts the assumption that the people most involved with a particular issue are the ones best equipped to make decision is likely to lead to constructive solutions to land use concerns. Continue reading →
Best Education Practice: Community 
See below for: research findings about outreach with a community.
For the Community, the learning experience:
- Builds on locally existing skills and resources.
- Supports a person who takes responsibility for managing or leading the process, and relies on quality group planning and facilitation techniques.
- Is flexible in response to both process and conditions.
- Provides participants with feedback about the results of their actions.
- Generates and makes use of data about the local condition.
- Takes into consideration the community as a whole, including: socio-political, economic, historical, and cultural influences.
- Evolves from work with a coalition or group.
- Builds effectiveness through linkages to other communities, partners, and resources.
- Takes place close to the location where people practice a behavior of concern.
- Reaches people in multiple ways.
- Relates to long-term community vision and goals.
- Provides training to increase skills needed to accomplish goals identified by the group.
Findings Navigation: Browse by Audience; Browse by Theme; Browse by Best Education Practice; Browse by multiple topics
Dietz, M. E., Clausen, J. C., & Filchak, K. K. (2004) Finding 1
Rely on these outreach components for a conservation initiative (Dietz, 2004, Env Mgmt):
- Individual homeowners make site assessments with help from trained volunteers who make specific recommendations for reducing bacteria and nitrogen runoff.
Cronin, A., & Ostergren, D. M. (2007) Finding 1
For watershed management decison-making on tribal lands
- Encourage partnerships and collaboration between US or state government natural resource professionals and tribal land managers.
- Integrate scientific knowledge with Indigenous tradition results.
Curtis, A., Byron, I., & MacKay, J. (2005) Finding 1
To effectively engage watershed partners and major stakeholders to investigate: landowner issues, awareness of environmental management problems, business development intentions, and potential impact of incentives.
- Enhance public participation by using a 9 or 10 month process that draws on local knowledge, builds commitment to the research, and builds capacity to interpret and implement key findings.
Curtis, A., Byron, I., & MacKay, J. (2005) Finding 2
To enhance participatory decision-making, build commitment to research by engaging watershed partners and major stakeholders in answering questions such as: a) what information is needed?; b) how is the information to be collected and analyzed?; c) Who has access to the data and on what conditions?; d) How will the data be used to improve watershed management outcomes?
Dakins, M. E., Long, J. D., & Hart, M. (2005) Finding 1
When encouraging or facilitating the activities of a watershed group, consider group purpose and needs. Distinguish whether the group wants to focus on educational and social benefits, the ability to influence policy, or create on-the-ground improvements.
Dakins, M. E., Long, J. D., & Hart, M. (2005) Finding 2
How a watershed group is formed may influence its effectiveness.
- Citizen initiated groups give themselves a high rating on addressing difficult or controversial issues.
- Government initiated groups give themselves a high rating on receiving assistance during formation.
- Groups whose membership has been restricted in some way (e.g. property owners only, instead of all interested parties), give themselves a low rating on involving key decision-making groups, timeliness in addressing issues, and overall effectiveness.
Dakins, M. E., Long, J. D., & Hart, M. (2005) Finding 3
Emphasize effective leadership when encouraging or facilitating watershed group formation. Watershed groups rate leadership as more important to effective group formation than support factors such as staff assistance or financial support.
McCowan, L. & M. Smolen. (2004) Finding 5
Field test new education materials with a lead community-based organization. Continue reading →
McCowan, L. & M. Smolen. (2004) Finding 6
Generate local information and use it as the basis for local public education programs. Continue reading →
