Webinar: Planning with Social Media (CM | 1.5)

The Internet has allowed a new ease in citizen communication and engagement.  This citizen input has materialized through the Internet and more specifically through e-mail, blogs, interactive websites, U Tube, My Space, Facebook, and now Twitter.  Most people’s cell phones are now powerful tools for communicating with each other.  However, the amount of information which goes out via these tools on a daily basis is somewhat overwhelming and seems hard to get a handle on.  Everyday people are discussing political and planning issues electronically and are making decisions about their future not based on the actions of a city council or county commission but on what they talk with each other about.  This information flow is moving faster than most governments operate.  So, how can planners use these powerful tools to help communities plan their futures and keep some kind of control of the data provided as a result of using these tools?  In other words, how can we stay ahead of this new citizen power and use it to promote and plan sustainable communities.

Specifically will you help us answer  two questions for the benefit of all planners undertaking public engagement in this new era of information overload.

Question #1:  How can you and your community or firm use Internet tools to  reach out to citizens in regards to general planning or a specific planning project.

Question #2:  What are the positives and negatives of using this type of community  interaction?

This webcast is sponsored by the Arkansas Chapter.

Register:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/219971242