I received an email tonight that was flagged as an "Untrusted Sender" by my network security. Big banner notice right across the top of an email so I was wary of proceeding. In a lot of ways this reminds me of how community engagement work has been performed historically. The public gets brief windows to deliver comments and usually only around mandated permitting actions. This breeds distrust. Over time that distrust grows and multiplies due to other issues such as changing project scopes (which happen all the time). What are we left with? Situations where industry walks into public meetings with "untrusted sender" perceived across their foreheads. There's a better way. Trust takes time and must be earned through genuine engagement and outreach, ideally through supporting and interacting with community organizations over longer periods. Objective transparency. All sites have environmental impacts, if you want a community to begin to trust your operations, don't be afraid to present the good along with the less than good. #communityengagement #environmentaljustice
Thomas Lindgren
6mo
Well said, Chris. I agree completely.
Environmental Attorney | EJ Advocate | Sustainability Professional | Former Litigator
6moYou nailed it, Chris. As we know, informing and educating local communities throughout the entire project process from design, planning, and development incentivizes mobilization and participation. The outcome in the long run? Meaningful community engagement based on trust.