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�U CO i� 1792 e I + ri d Cabarrus County Department of Human Services Outreach Tools A. General Public Relations General public relations may be defined as any action that might reach any citizen, whether or not that citizen has specific interest or knowledge regarding transportation planning. This group of techniques includes the following: announcements targeted at newspapers, and posters or pamphlets displayed in public places. Meetings or hearings that are held in public places and covered by the media can act as general public relations. These techniques are ways to keep the general public aware of the presence of the planning organization and the status of specific projects so that they may develop and interest and choose to become better informed or actively involved. B. Events There are a broad variety of ways to educate and engage the public. In general, the earlier public involvement is sought, the better. It is also better use of citizens' free time to participate in the process that will determine the direction of a project that may take years to complete. Citizens may get frustrated when they are invited to join late in the process -when values and goals have already been decided and the details have been worked out. The following tools are arranged from most participatory to least. Special Events are held to bring attention to a specific activity or issue. Special events may take the form of a fair or special educationsl lecture with civic groups or other public entities. Special events are a way to expose a large number of people to a project or program. Surveys are and efficient method of gathering input frorn. a large number of people at an early stage of the planning process. This is particulary useful when trying to understand the goals and aspirations of a community before attempting to address andy specific problems. As an outreach tool, surveys may be adininistercd in person or on the phone, or distributed via rnail, on the interriet, or at public places. Public Hearings are usually held when an agency has completed a plan and needs to present it for public review before moving forward with the plan. As with all of these tools, care must be taken to ensure that the public is made fully aware of the event well in advance, and that the goals and values of the plan are clearly stated. 1303 S. Cannon Blvd • Kannapolis, North Carolina 28083 - State Courier#; 05 -09 -02 . 704.920.1400 . Fax 704.920.1401 iyww.cabarruscou ntv.us /govern mentf departmcnts /hu man- services Striving to improve the quality of life in the community for all citizens. Attachment number 1 \n F -9 Page 181