Re: Last Night's Forum
Joseph Zorzin
----- Original Message -----From: Bill LogueSent: Friday, February 05, 2010 7:35 PMSubject: FW: Last Night's Forum--
From: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com [mailto:forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Sherman, James F
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 6:04 PM
To: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Last Night's Forum
I attended the session last evening and agree that the small group break out sessions as they were structured were not the best environment. There were at least five breakout sessions in a small room for almost a hundred people. It was impossible to not hear the other groups. With that said, it was amazing the level of discussion and exchange of ideas which the individual groups did get into. This would not and could not have happened in a larger group setting. One hundred people cannot all participate in an open discussion during a two hour session. There seems to be a group of persons, as evidenced by their continual pounding on the issue last evening, (taking up valuable time in which we could have been discussing the ideas and issues) that wants all persons to be able to speak and be heard by the entire group. Maybe the forums should have been scheduled for at least five to seven hours each. The structure where everyone stays together is excellent as a means to get ideas on the table, see the big picture, (which I seem to think we already know) but will not work for discussing and delving into the issues. Having moderators taking notes of the smaller group discussions, assisting the lead moderator, reporting back to the group, may in the long run provide the entire group a more in depth understanding of the real issues the persons in attendance want addressed. It was surprising to see the depth of discussions in each of the smaller groups. When the Amherst public forum takes place, the speakers will present their issues, thoughts, and concerns but there will likely be little time for others to develop these thoughts and ideas. Each type of public forum has it own merits and disadvantages, but to say last night did not work, period, amen is not correct. It in no way “made it easier for the facilitators to prevent meaningful public input.” It might in fact have made for more public input since more people were able to speak and there were multiple moderators carrying the massage back to the entire group as well as to lead moderator. I would suggest there be more time at the end to summarize the discussions to the entire group. Also all of the notes from the smaller groups are to be placed on the web for our review and consideration. That is not the way one would stifle input; that could be construed as a way to enhance discussion and input. Let’s take a few minutes and stop being so negative. There are plenty of real and important issues which need to be addressed and we need to hold DCR’s feet to fire to fix them. The public forums are likely to emphasize the big issues, and if they, the DCR, hear the same thing from five small groups, five times five forums is a whole lot more input than five big forums haring each issue once.
James F. Sherman
NETRA President
From: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com [mailto:forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jane Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 4:19 PM
To: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Last Night's Forum
That is not what I have heard. I do not think the small group format works - except perhaps to make it easier for the facilitators and to prevent meaningful public input.
Jane
--
Jane Winn, Executive Director
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Bill Logue wrote:
Jane,
Some of those who objected to the format at the outset took time from the small groups as they continued to object and not allow others to engage in discussion. This was maybe a dozen of the folks who attended. Other people in those groups expressed frustration with us about that behavior. For those who want the full audience format they can attend the session in Amherst and have their needs met there. I would hope they would allow others to engage in the format of their choice at the forums we have planned.
Bill
From: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com [mailto:forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jane Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 2:16 PM
To: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Last Night's Forum
I heard that there was an excellent turn out, but that the circle format did not work well at all.
Jane
--
Jane Winn, Executive Director
413-442-6815 home/office, 413-230-7321 cell, ja...@thebeatnews.org
BERKSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM (BEAT)
BEAT, 27 Highland Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201-2413 www.thebeatnews.org
Working with you to protect the environment in the Berkshires and beyond
Help support our work - Donate now!
For all the environmental news and events in Berkshire County
delivered to your computer each week, subscribe to The BEAT News by email.
Bill Logue wrote:Dear TSC and AGS members,
There was an excellent turnout at the forum last night with almost 100 people. It was tight space-wise but our smallest venue. Participants were from all across the spectrum and the views expressed reflected the many sides of the issues we have heard during the process.
Commissioner Sullivan welcomed the crowd and Lisa did a great job providing an overview of the recommendations, highlighting where there are different perspectives and asking people to give their feedback on those issues in particular. We had a brief Q&A with very good questions raised from the public. The friends groups objected to the format with small groups. They were invited to attend the additional session in Amherst where people can sign up and speak to the assembled audience. Despite the tight space the small groups engaged in a lively discussion where everyone had an opportunity to participate and I think all did. TSC members listened in to the groups and clarified points. The notes are being compiled now.
Take care,
Bill
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