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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Organizing for public involvement in Fernald decision-making

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10193406
 [1];  [2]
  1. USDOE Fernald Field Office, OH (United States)
  2. Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corp., Cincinnati, OH (United States). Fernald Environmental Management Project

Fernald is returning to the basics of interpersonal communication as a cornerstone of its public involvement program. The guiding premise behind this concept is the belief that face-to-face interaction between people is more likely to build trust and confidence than public meetings, news releases and other traditional public information techniques. A network of project spokespersons, called ``envoys,`` is being organized to develop person-to-person relationships with people interested in the future of Fernald. To support this approach, public affairs personnel are adopting roles as management consultants and communications coaches in addition to serving in their traditional role as public information specialists. Early observations seem to show signs of improvement in the level of public trust in Fernald decision-makers.

Research Organization:
Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corp., Cincinnati, OH (United States). Fernald Environmental Management Project
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-92OR21972
OSTI ID:
10193406
Report Number(s):
FEMP--2308; CONF-931095--48; ON: DE94002551; BR: 35EW00000/35EW20100
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English