MPRSK|MMCK|Asst. Manager-Community Relations-KenGen| Believer in Communities Prosperity|EIA&A|Events Organizer and a Photographer.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS- WHERE TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING The idea behind public meetings is either to pass information, recieve information or influence some decisions. In any of these situations, it important to choose where to hold the meeting for maximum impact. Consider accessibility, safety, availability of services like toilets. Holding such meetings at the communities backyard makes them feel valued. A place like under a sacred tree in the village will make the community feel that their culture valued and in return they will corporate. Incase you wish to influence certain section of the community, you can have the meeting offsite to a hotel or your offices, but, at the end hold in villages. Brand the venue with your corporate colours, have some corporate give-aways, plan a tree planting ceremony before the meeting. Consult widely with community to unstand their structures and protocols and follow them strictly. Use local master of ceremony who understands the community better. Acknowledge the community hereos, mention the recent happenings in the society, empthasise with them. Never wish away any comment by the participants, appreciate and interogate. Visit the community valued site as part of your tour to the community.
