Our two webinars held on Tuesday, March 24 included experts in the field who addressed some of the following questions: 

• What are some ideas or creative methods for continuing engagement without meeting face-to-face? 
• What's "out there” in terms of social media, teleconferencing platforms, digital tools in general? When and how should we use them? 
• What are some good experiences and what should we be careful about?
• How do we address inclusion and lower barrier access for those with limited tech skills: what technologies require easy installation or none at all while supporting a variety of participation methods
• Platforms and tools that support effective small group conversations and “break out” rooms or that can support moving from plenaries to group work 
• Platforms that can include visual note-taking or collaboration (in ways that can be recorded for data collection) 
• Facilitation tips and tools for effective online conversations

Session 1

Embracing Technology for P2

Click here to watch the recording

Download the PowerPoint slide deck (.pdf version) here

This presentation tackles the question “should we be engaging and if so, when?”  The presenters also offered suggestions and key considerations for how to select from the many digital tools available to support all levels of participation across the IAP2 spectrum. The session closes with some ideas on how to best design and support interactive engagement taking place online. 

Session Two

Public Participation Technology in a Time of Social Distancing

Click here to view the recording

Download the PowerPoint slide deck (.pdf version) here

This presentation shares key principles for digital engagement and explores today's engagement challenges and options for responses, including innovations by the Salt Lake City municipal engagement team. The critical consideration of the digital divide is explored, including some approaches to inclusive engagement. Finally, the presentation gives some guidance through the sharing of tools and tips for digital public participation.

Keep on Engaging: Tips for Adapting in the Days of COVID-19

A recording will be available free for members on Tue, March 31.

Q&A-style conversation with practical information on how you can keep engaging in the COVID-19 environment.

• How to adapt your engagement plans and strategies to digital or other approaches
• The role of engagers in connecting communities
• Looking to positive innovations in crisis
• Challenges of adapting to the digital space
• How to work with people with heightened anxiety