This document provides guidance on obtaining informed consent for projects. It outlines underlying principles such as ensuring the input of those affected will inform decisions. Key stakeholders to engage include those with real or perceived negative impacts, who self-identify as concerned, and who contact officials. The objectives are to demonstrate there is a serious problem to address, that the agency is responsible for the solution, the approach is reasonable, and stakeholders' concerns are heard. Informed consent requires systematic outreach and communication to develop willingness among opponents by achieving objectives like transparency.

1. KEEP YOUR
PROJECT ON TRACK
WITH INFORMED CONSENT
January 13, 2016

4. Underlying Principles
1. It’s a system, not a model.
2. You are solving an important
problem, that, if not addressed,
will negatively impact someone’s
quality of life, or… opportunity that
can’t be missed.
3. It would be irresponsible of you not
to do this.

5. 4. You have an equitable, reasonable
problem-solving, decision-making
process.
5. The input of those most likely to be
negatively affected will be used to
inform decisions.
6. Everyone has the right to be
heard; decision makers have the
right to decide.

6. • Don’t Decide and Defend
• Engage People in Problem-Solving
• Show Them You Are Listening

7. 1. There is a serious problem
(or important opportunity) – one that just
has to be addressed
2. We are the right agency to address it.
(In fact, given our mission, it would be
irresponsible if we didn’t address the
problem/opportunity.)
3. The approach we are using is reasonable,
sensible, responsible, and equitable.
4. We are listening. We do care.

8. Seward Park CSO Reduction Project

9. • They have real or perceived
negative impacts
• They self identify
• You must understand their
concerns
• You need them to understand
the mission, problem, & process

10. Your Project

11. • People who have already expressed
opposition
• People who expect to be consulted,
informed, engaged
• People who are most likely to experience
real or perceived negative impacts
• People who e-mail/call elected officials
• People who write letters to the editor
• People who create blogs

12. • People who are considered outliers
even in their own community
• People who do not believe there is a
problem or opportunity
• People who are already supportive
• People included just to represent
a particular stakeholder group
• Reporters or bloggers

13. Object-Related Values
Process-Related Values:
Fairness
Meta-Values: Rights,
Freedoms, Liberties
Meta-Meta-Values:
Limitations of
Rights, Freedoms,
Liberties

14. • Grudging willingness of opponents
to “go along” with something to which
they are naturally opposed
• Informed Consent is not natural
• Over-My-Dead-Body Opposition is natural
• Has to be developed systematically using
objectives- driven outreach and
communication
• Depends on achieving at least the four
Life Preserver Objectives

15. 1. There is a serious problem
(or important opportunity) – one that
just has to be addressed.
2. We are the right agency to address it.
In fact, given our mission, it would be
irresponsible if we didn’t address the
problem/opportunity.
3. The approach we are using is
reasonable, sensible, responsible and
equitable.
4. We are listening. We do care.

16. WWW.CONSENTBUILDING.COM
IN OLYMPIA, MARCH 29-31