Outreach

The Center will plan and convene public deliberation on issues of critical importance to the region and its communities.

The Center will also work with regional and community leaders to identify important issues that could benefit receiving effective public involvement. It will maintain a neutral position with regard to all issues.

For instance, the ODU Annual State of Region Report provides data and analyses for critical subjects (affordable housing, sand replenishment, economic impact of the port). The Planning Council publishes its annual Social Indicators Report. The material is rich and ripe for regional dialogue. It would be a logical method to increase the public’s awareness of their community and generated discussions that lead to the formulation of action plans.

There are a variety of techniques available to public agencies to improve their reputation, to develop constituencies of support, and to increase trust through positive and productive partnerships with citizens

The Fellowship Program will provide an opportunity for independent scholars doing research and writing on regional issues. Suitable material can be published and distributed. The objective will be to generate public discussion and awareness on regional issues.

Center services:


Sponsorship of well-developed regional Town Hall meetings, online chats, study groups, community roundtables, online surveys and discussions, and other creative means of community engagement

Visiting Fellowship program

Systematic follow up of published “white papers” by agencies at ODU, CNU, Hampton University, William and Mary, Norfolk State, Virginia Wesleyan College or non-profit community agencies such as the Planning Council specifically designed to generate community discussion

Library with documents related to regional “hot topics”

Effective public distribution of information on critical topics