Telling the public

Often it is necessary to give the participants some information about an issue, or a proposed policy, before starting a consultation. This has two aspects.

1. Awareness raising (publicity to engage consultees)
2. Disseminating information on the consultation topic (one-way communication)

Publicity to engage consultees

• Advertising (e.g. radio, newspapers, Google Adwords)
• E-mailed newsletters
  • Activelink in Ireland keeps civil society up-to-date in Ireland.
  • NSEC uses PHP List to keep consultees informed.
• Social network sites (e.g. Bebo, MySpace).

Information on the consultation topic

• Set up a website
  • Consultation NI website
  • Bristol City Council consultation finder
  • Is it usable? See how much easier it is to navigate and use the second, which is organised around readers' needs, rather than administrative structures.
• Tell your stories on blogs
  • Mary Reid, the Kingston Mayor
• Use rich media
  • Videos (e.g. YouTube)
  • Podcasts
  • Games (e.g. Demgames)