RE: States' best practices: challenges

[Nadine Scott <deannie@nctimes.net>]

I think you're right about acknowledging or LISTENING to someone's viewpoints and issues out in the field.  Although I have experienced less courtesy in some public meetings than should ever be acceptable.  I think people are getting more frustrated because they don't feel they are being heard, or won't have time to be heard, or the rules of the 'hearings' are too formal. Cal Food & Ag in California instituted 10 'listening sessions' with a wonderful format.  An agenda with focus area questions was put up on a screen and individuals, after identifying themselves, were allowed to speak to the specific issue (or issues) as they came up.  There was a court reporter present so no written testimony was required. This is often intimidating to many who don't feel their written words are sufficient, are non-native speakers, etc.  Each partipant was very satisfied that their viewpoint had been heard and recorded..

just a thought to try something new folks.