PlaceMatters and Smart Growth America will share experiences and lessons-learned from projects around the country that have successfully engaged opposition groups and individuals that previously were disrupting the process.  The session will include video excerpts of meetings where participants have tried (and sometimes succeeded) to disrupt a meeting.  Webinar participants will be given the opportunity to share their own experiences to discuss effective ways to handle similar situations.

Topics include:

·       Understanding the key concerns being raised today

·       Tactics being used to disrupt meetings and public processes

·       Preparing for meetings to avoid common criticisms or mistakes

·       Building local constituencies to balance the discussion, keeping conversations civil, and reducing the ability of one group to dominate or change the process

·       Identifying the ingredients of a low conflict meeting while respecting a diversity of opinions

·       Working with the press to help them understand the process and cover issues fairly