Formal Public Participation

Question 1

An umbrella term that describes the activities by which people’s concerns, needs, interests, and values are incorporated into decisions and actions on public matters and issues

Answer 1

Public Participation

Question 2

Citizens personally involved in problems (includes thick, thin, and conventional participation)

Answer 2

Direct participation

Question 3

Citizens select some kind of representative or intermediary to act for them

Answer 3

Indirect participation

Question 4

Enables large numbers of people working in small groups to learn, decide, and act

Answer 4

Thick participation

Question 5

Activates people as individuals rather than in groups

Answer 5

Thin participation

Question 6

Older forms of engagement that were developed to uphold order, accountability, and transparency. (includes advance notification, an audience-style room setup, a preset agenda, and public comment segments)

Answer 6

Conventional participation