Building Awareness - Further Tools

The kitchen forum process described above is an excellent way to assess and express the educational needs of communities such as Margaree. This process occurred because many people felt that the public education system has not been meeting their needs and that changes have to be made. Having determined their priorities and having designed their solutions, such communities are left with the daunting task of effecting change in the system of education. We are fortunate to live in a democracy that enables citizens to influence the laws, policies and actions of government. Typically, such influence occurs from the top-down, with wealth and established power wielding the greatest control. However an organized and developed community has the potential to utilize our democratic structures to effect long-lasting change that is in the best interest of the majority of people.

The MEC used many well-known methods of organizing and educating its citizens and these methods will be discussed below, along with pointers on how to maximize success.

In general, the mechanisms for building awareness are based on effective communication. This communication must be trustworthy, transparent and on a popular level. Inaccurate information is very damaging to any cause and erodes the credibility of the group or organization trying to make change. In a public issue like education, information must be available to everyone, with no hidden agenda. And the information must be presented so that it is engaging and easily accessible.

Furthermore community education is a very emotional issue. Emotion can be a great ally in attracting and motivating campaigners for change. But anger must be controlled and not allowed to become destructive. Any person, organization or office that is named or that has a direct relationship with the information being distributed must be sent copies. This is not only a courtesy, but also an effective way of initiating communication. Personalities must be excluded from debate, as they cloud the issues and impede the search for solutions.

Following are some common tools for building awareness within communities along with guidelines which have been found useful:

Public Meetings:

• Advertise the meeting at least one week in advance or in compliance with by-laws.
• Use free public service announcements in newspapers and on radio.
• If appropriate, invite decision-makers.
• The purpose of the meeting should be clearly stated.
• Use a written agenda and aim to end the meeting within a reasonable amount of time.
• The chairperson should be skilled at running a meeting and should be supported by a vice-chair.
• Minutes should be recorded and read at the next meeting.
• Utilize several speakers to present information in order to offer variety and maintain interest.
• Devote adequate time to hear concerns from the floor
• At the end of the meeting review decisions and action items, and evaluate the outcomes against the stated purpose.
• If required, set the date for the next meeting.