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How National Dialogues Work
Scheduling
Unlike a chat room, where a discussion takes place in real time, the Dialogue
is asynchronous. This means that your participation is not restricted
to any particular time of day. Such a structure makes it much easier
to accommodate different time zones and busy schedules. A more
substantive discussion can evolve when participants have time to
refer to reference materials, think about the contributions made
by others and have the time to compose their own thoughtful
messages.
Equipment
Individuals need to have access to the Internet and use a Web browser such
as Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer or the text-based browser Lynx.
Time
The time required to participate in the Dialogue is quite
flexible. It will vary depending on how often you consult the
reference materials in the Briefing Book and how frequently you
make comments in the discussion. Be prepared to spend a
minimum of half an hour a day to read messages and to compose
thoughtful messages of your own.
Agenda
The Dialogue follows an Agenda that is posted before the discussion
begins. The discussion is broken down into sub-topics that take one to
two days to complete. Join the discussion by clicking on the sand
dollar that will link you to each day's discussion.
Conversation
Each day, typically in the morning, the moderator poses a question
to initiate the discussion for the day. The panelists and the
Participants will discuss this issue and respond to each other's
questions and comments.
Following the Discussion
Messages are posted to the Web site throughout the day. Many
participants bookmark the site to make it easy to check on a daily
basis. Participants and people not registered for the Dialogue
can view comments by visiting the Web site.
The Dialogue is organized by agenda topic. Select the day's topic
from the drop-down menu located at the top right-hand corner of
the Discussion page. You may read the Dialogue by using message
Threads (in which all replies to the first message are grouped below
that message), Subject or Date indices.
Who Should Participate
The Dialogue welcomes individuals interested in learning about
and discussing public involvement in EPA decision-making. The
Agency's December 28th, 2000 draft Public Involvement Policy will
help frame the discussion. In addition, you will have the opportunity
to offer your thoughts and comments on how EPA should implement
its final policy in this area.
We anticipate dynamic and productive discussions with a wide variety
of groups and individuals. We encourage interested citizens to join the
discussion and devote a minimum of one-half an hour each day for
studying background materials, reading discussion messages and
periodically contributing comments and questions.
In addition, the Dialogue will familiarize participants with
the EPA Policy on Public Involvement. The comment period on this
policy will officially close on July 31. Participation in this
event will allow you to offer EPA your thoughts on what steps the
Agency should take in this area after you learn about the key
elements of this new policy.
Join the Discussion
Individuals must register in order to participate
in the Dialogue. Before you register please be sure you are
comfortable with the Rules of the Road.
Summaries
A Recorder will post daily discussion summaries on the Web site
and send copies to all registered participants by e-mail. The Agenda
page contains links to these Summaries. Summaries do not attempt
to provide details of all the subjects discussed, but give a brief
overview of the discussion with principal topics that were discussed
the previous day. If you get behind due to work or travel, use the
Summaries to catch up quickly.
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