Building Societal Capacity: Citizen Engagement

Transcript:Building Societal Capacity: Citizen Engagement:
Building Societal Capacity: Citizen Engagement Driven by the Public Interest and Demonstrated Trust Mark A. Glaser and Misty R. Bruckner Foundation Differences Public versus Private For-Profit Agencies Private For-Profit Organizations respond to narrow bands of self-interest as defined by customers and markets Ideally, Public Organizations act/invest in ways that advance the public interest and democracy Survey research and citizen engagement processes should reflect these differences Paradigm Shift: Citizen engagement that promotes convergence between democracy and the public interest Paradigm Shift in the Logic of Survey Research Strategic Investment Decisions Step 1. Establish need to Change: Global economy, growing fiscal challenges, and pluralism Step 2. Frame of Reference -The Public Interest/Community Well-Being: Reflect on basic values and societal responsibilities Step 3. Public Support for Investment: Economic Development, Community Development, Transportation, and Water Step 4. Demonstrated Trust: From Spending to Investment -Describe your approval rating for how your money has been invested (Strongly Disapprove, Disapprove, Somewhat Disapprove, Somewhat Approve, Approve, Strongly Approve) -The community is a better place because we invested in…….(Definitely False, Probably False, Probably True, Definitely True) Step 5. Investment Priorities and Opportunity Costs: Recommended change in the level of investment..…(Much Less, Less, No Change, More, Much More) Step 6. Priorities and Willingness to Pay: “I’m willing to pay increased taxes or fees to pay for investment…(Definitely Not Willing to Pay, Probably Not Willing to Pay, probably Willing to Pay, Definitely Willing to Pay) Defining the Public Interest Index Component 1: Balancing Self-Interest & Community Well-Being I am willing to put community interests above personal interests (71.7%) Most people are willing to put community interests above personal interest (28.2%) Defining the Public Interest Index Component 2: Balancing Concerns of Current & Future Generations I am willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of future generations (85.7%) Most people are willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of future generations (41.7%) Our community should strive to balance the needs and concerns of current and future generations (97.0%) Defining the Public Interest Index Component 3: Balancing Concerns of Advantaged & Disadvantaged Our community should strive to create employment opportunity for all individuals that are willing to work (95.3%) Willingness to Pay “I’m willing to pay increased taxes or fees to pay for investment to……” “create a reliable source of water that will meet the future water needs of the community” 85.3% Low Public Interest Index Score: 61.8% High Public Interest