Assisting Our Stakeholders

[Helen P. Villasor <helen.villasor@srs.gov>]

It is only my opinion, but I think it is necessary to keep pace with a community, as it becomes more aware of environmental activities surrounding it through available channels such as newspapers, radio, television, and even community web sites. However, it is also extremely important to continue striving for fresh ideas and approaches to public participation and communication activities.  One EPA goal should be to give everyone the opportunity to become involved in a community's future and to offer opportunities for the public to become the active stakeholders they need to be.

As we are learning (or reading) through this dialogue, citizen's interest varies with the issues. I'm seeing (and reading) that different people may choose to become involved in a particular issue based on how they think they are affected.  Their perception may be based on numerous factors, including education, economics, legal mandates, proximity (NIMBY), or strongly held beliefs and values.

If a mechanism such as a fish advisory is needed to provide technical assistance to a community, it's important to remember that while some of us have luxuries and advantages such as computers, Internet access, and yes, even reading ability, there are others who are equally affected who are or may be unable to participate. It's not inappropriate to think about going back to the basics.  A simple flyer that can graphically explain that the local fish might or might not be unsafe to eat might be all that is needed.   We may be seeking improved and sophisticated mediums to elicit public participation, but as Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy and they are us."

(NIMBY)  - Not in my backyard