Traditionally, public consultations are offline events where local residents express opposition to new developments and developers build community relationships. However, if consultations used social media, more people could participate and developers could find supporters, disseminate information to avoid rumors, and raise awareness of potential benefits while also collecting demographic data on opinions. Developers fear losing control, but the benefits of an online social media strategy that listens to community concerns, provides resources for feedback, establishes clear policies, and responds to issues could outweigh initial reluctance.

1. SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC CONSULTATION
EMILY TORJUSSEN
Wednesday, 1 January 14

2. Traditionally, Public Consultation happens ‘offline’
where the ‘usual suspects’ attend
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3. Generally, it is an opportunity for
locals to express their reasons why the new
development should
their community
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not be built in

4. And for the developer to build
relationships with that community
to demonstrate why
and how it
could benefit their community
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5. As this happens ‘offline’, the usual group of people
attend these events.
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6. There is a reluctancy for the developers to move this
consultation process onto social channels.
Why? Because they feel they will lose control
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7. BUT if they did; the benefits could easily outweigh
the
initial fear..
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8. Benefits
Reasons to use social media in the
consultation process
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9. Find supporters
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10. Disseminate Information – Avoid
Rumours
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11. • Raise
awareness
Raise Awareness
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12. Collect demographic data about
supporters and opponents
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13. Demonstrate a willingness to engage in
dialogue
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14. Because the opposition are already using
it and you cannot control that
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15. Develop a social media strategy for your
consultation
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16. Listen
Resource
Policy
Respond
Motivate
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Text

17. • Listen; who
is saying what? What do their personal
networks look like?
• Resource; who
is available to help you deliver the
strategy?
• Policies; be
clear about how to use social platforms.
What are you willing to do or not do?
• Respond; use
the correct language and talk to your
networks
• Motivate; listen
and show understanding for those
who will be willing to support you
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18. •A
few key principles
A few key principles
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19. • Social
media activity will not replace traditional
methods of consultation
• Everything
can be shared; be transparent but
remember conversation isn't private
• Be
human; people want to deal with people
• Don’t
• Give
get into arguments
people information so that they can make up
their own mind
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20. • Consider
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all platforms all platforms
Consider

21. Wednesday, 1 January 14

22. In Summary
Find supporters, avoid rumours,
raise awareness, collect data, show
willingness and have a plan
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23. For more updates, follow @ewilko
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