I have been thinking a lot about Neuroscience brain research and its relevance for public engagement practice. I have noticed that decision making agencies and the public are driven by needs to minimize threats and maximize reward related to project outcomes and/or community impact. This motivation increases when processes have facts and value conflicts.

As Peter Sandman articulates in IAP2’s course Emotion, Outrage and Public Participation, Risk is an outcome of Hazard + Outrage. You can design a lot of strategies, implement a diversity of tactics, but if you don’t understand the behaviors that are contributing to the perception of risk, the situation will likely continue to escalate. The latest research in neuroscience provides insights into ‘why’ and the factors that drive behavior and increase people’s perception of risk in public engagement processes. 

Leading in a VUCA world, what is old is new again…

This trendy managerial acronym has increasingly been referenced since the emergence of COVID 19 in relation to the challenges of leadership. The most effective leaders have always drawn on Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility to address four distinct types of challenges: volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity in their operational environment

Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window. – Peter Drucker

From what is to what if...from the tyranny of the urgent to the possibility of effective strategic conversations. Do you have the essential elements and enablers to accelerate team effectiveness?

Adaptive leaders use strategic conversations to get their teams focused on the opportunities to adapt, by focusing on the strategically important above the tactically urgent.

Efficiency is doing the thing right, but effectiveness is doing the right thing

Indigenous people and civil society all play critical roles in developing policy and processes to facilitate responsible land, water, minerals and energy resource development and use. Yet often people are consulted after decisions are made, or it is not clear what influence, if any, they have over decisions, which can contribute to frustration, apathy, and anger. 

Catherine Rockandel and School District 38 (Richmond) accepted the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) 2017 Core Values Award for Respect for Diversity, Inclusion and Culture at the National Conference in Denver Colorado. The public engagement process "Our Schools, Our Students, Our Future - Lets Talk SD 38" included in person and online engagement.

Catherine shared creative tips and techniques for inspiring tenant engagement with over 35 non-profit housing providers.

Recently I have been reflecting on the words of David Whyte and his musings about work. "Our relationship to time has become corrupted exactly because we allow ourselves very little experience of the timeless. We speak continually about saving time, but time in its richness is most often lost when we are busy without relief."

Catherine Rockandel, BC Chapter President, International Association for Public Public Participation is co-presenting a workshop "Shake Up Your Thinking" with Anthea Brown, an IAP2 Director and Engagement Manager at Bang the Table.

In my work I have been reflecting on the stubbornness or uncontrollable aspects of systems and how shifts or changes occur over time whether within organizations or individuals.

The world is full of diversity and thus the implication is that there are different ways to approach problems.  To build understanding about different ways of seeing we need to create more positive, respectful social connections.  This fall I have been working with student leaders in school districts to develop their skills and experience to become facilitative leaders. To be comfortable and have confidence in face-to-face situations engaging members of their community in dialogue about the issues that matter. 

Getting pigs to fly, while herding camels and cats is all in a days work for a facilitator. 

A key component of any engagement effort is the sharing of information. Yet, balanced, objective information is no replacement for relationships. When we have a shared connection, shared meaning and respect for our differences, information is heard through the filter of trust. When trust is eroded, information is filtered by emotion.  

By themselves polarities can have immense creative potential. Yet, it is easy to consistently polarize a community or organization into a state of chronic ineffectiveness, oscillation, or submission, making it difficult to follow a deeper meaningful, creative, sustainable process. 

Martin Luther King did not say I have a problem. He engaged people in the dream of a different future. Yet, with so many different perspectives processes often focus on the problem. It is increasingly difficult to find common ground on complex issues. How do we find a way forward together?

On Wednesday March 12th IAP2 BC hosted a community of practice discussion on “getting past the usual suspects” or conversly “engaging the unusual suspects”. I have continued to reflect on what I heard in terms of a national dialogue on a path forward.

Catherine Rockandel presents the workshop "What does it take to organize and facilitate effective community engagement" at the BC School Trustees Association Conference in Kelowna. The session focuses on what works and why, highlighting key learning from a recent BC School District case study. 

Catherine Rockandel is presenting a workshop on Sustainable Community Planning Partnership Basics Thursday, February 9th, 2012 from 2:15pm to 3:45pm at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference in Ottawa, Ontario.

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), BC Chapter announced that Catherine Rockandel, was re-elected as the President for 2014-2015. She previously served as President from 2011-2013.

Building Constituency: The Museum as an Essential Service. This interactive workshop shares case studies, tools and techniques for museums to enhance their public value.

Catherine Rockandel co-presents with Phil Aldrich and Ian McLennan at the Canadian Museums Association National Conference, May 12th at 2:30pm on collaborative methods for engaging community stakeholders.

In the July/August Edition of the Canadian Museums Association Magazine "Muse" article on "Building Meaningful Long-Term Partnerships" outlines why a cooperative versus competitive mindset and approach to relationships contributes to successful partnerships. See copy in Resource Library.

Catherine Rockandel, Phil Aldrich, Ian McLennan and Alan Nursall, Science North will be presenting a session at the 2009 Canadian Museums Association Conference in Toronto, Ontario, March 25-28, 2009