Keep the Conversation Going: New PlanET Public Input Tools Launched

Not able to attend the first round of PlanET Regional Forums? No problem! You have more than one opportunity to submit your ideas about our region's strengths and challenges. We know community meetings can't fit everyone's schedule, so throughout the PlanET process, you can expect us to provide many ways to make sure your ideas are heard.

PlanET has launched a virtual town-hall, allowing the discussion that occurred at the Regional Forums to continue online. Called MindMixer, the virtual town-hall allows citizens to respond to the same questions discussed at the community meetings. Online participants are able to submit comments, view and comment on others' responses, and vote on ideas. Feedback via the virtual town-hall and the community forums are a critical part of the regional planning process.

Another tool designed to create more opportunities to participate in PlanET is called Meeting in a Box. This portable public input tool is designed for use with small groups who could not attend the regional forum meetings, allowing PlanET team members or community volunteers to work with citizen groups when and where those groups ask. A Meeting in a Box "kit" contains instruction sheets for the host/facilitator, sample meeting invitations, discussion questions, worksheets for participant responses, feedback questionnaires, and directions for recording and returning responses. Meeting in a Box content parallels the community forums, asking the same questions presented to participants at the public meetings.

The second round of PlanET community forums will be held throughout the five-county region beginning in Spring 2012. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings, but if you're unable to attend, be sure to take advantage of the virtual town-hall and portable meeting tools so that your ideas are heard and represent our diverse region.

For additional information about PlanET, visit us online at www.planeasttn.orgor call (865) 215-2500.

Posted 1-11-2012, written by Liz Albertson