With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.  Consequently he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions.       

Abraham Lincoln (First Lincoln-Douglas Debate, August 21, 1858)

 PUBLIC EDUCATION FORUM ABOUT CT METROPATTERNS REPORT

Planning Meeting #1

Worksheet

 

 

  1. Target date and time:
    Date/time tips:  avoid Columbus Day, election day, Veterans' Day; avoid conflict with the time of Monday night football, the American League baseball playoffs and the World Series

 

 

  1. Turnout goal:  number of people_____

Suggested minimum:  50 key people.  Best single strategy:  talking to individual people one at a time and asking them to come. Turnout tip:  use sponsorships to get different constituencies involved.  Consider asking your legislative body or one or more municipal boards/commissions to co-sponsor.

 

  1. Target Location:

Location tips:  neutral ground for entire community, good parking, free,                wheelchair accessible building and bathrooms, site that is familiar to people, not too big or too small, ok to serve refreshments.

 

  1. Speaker:

Speaker tip:  think about someone who can present the whole analysis but who may have special expertise on the most pressing concerns of your community.

 

  1. Moderator:

Moderator tips:  select someone who is skillful at moderating;  a media "star" can  add interest; avoid someone who will want to make a speech.

 

  1. Refreshments:

Refreshment tips:  if you serve them, make your plan early so that you can  mention refreshments in publicity (to help with turnout);  sometimes a business or large institution will do this if asked; think about a mix that includes things for the health-conscious.

 

  1. Simultaneous translation:  do you need this event in more than one language?

 

Next Meeting

Focus: 

 

Date/time/place: