RE: EPA's evolving role - communication is a two-way street.

[Judith A. Farrey <farr@icehouse.net>]

I've read many good suggestions for providing training and/or workshops for the public and would like to add a possible platform.  Most community colleges have what we used to call "adult education" short-term, non-credit evening courses.  In my experience, they are begging for new courses and instructors.  The courses generally fall into two categories, personal enrichment and professional advancement.  I wonder if entry-level informational courses could be offered under personal enrichment and advanced technical training could be made available under professional advancement?  This could be very helpful to members of the public who are trying to find a way to learn more or become involved, e.g., in a CAG but don't know where to begin.  Because the issues are so controversial and politicized in most Superfund communities, it might be hard to make neutral presentations, or more critically, have the public believe they are receiving neutral information.  Does this idea have any merit?  Thank you for your time.  This dialogue is most fasinating and informative.