The author explains why it's essential to begin the preparations by deciding what the meeting is intended to accomplish. That, in turn, determines what kind of meeting you should conduct: informational, advisory, or problem-solving. The author breaks down the essential tasks involved and even suggests the right type of person to handle each one. She describes various types of troublesome meeting attendees-from accusers and apathetics to fence-sitters and know-it-alls-and offers advice on how to deal tactfully but firmly with them all. The author also tackles working effectively with the media, a subject that terrifies most planners. True stories of public meetings, both good and bad, add humor to her no-nonsense narrative. Follow her step-by-step checklist and leave nothing to chance."

How do you put the "public" in public management? How can the traditional ethos of professionalism and technical expertise be reconciled with norms of representation and citizen participation at a time when technology is transforming communication between citizens and government - in some ways enhancing the exchange and in other ways complicating it? "Modernizing Democracy: Innovations in Citizen Participation" points the way. Written for public administration professionals, scholars, and students interested in citizen participation, it brings together new analyses of innovative practices, from hands-on community learning and focus groups to high-tech information systems and decision support technologies. The expert contributors illuminate the various roles that public administrators and leaders can play in fostering constructive, meaningful citizen involvement at all stages of the public policy process - from initiation and planning to feedback on public agency performance.

Reports issued by the Commission from its inception on Apr. 21, 1987 until the conclusion of its work on Sept. 18, 1990. Includes bibliographical references.