i see what you mean! using visual to solve tough community problems case studies

“I See What You Mean!”Using Visuals to Engage Communities

John Blakinger, Co-founder CivilSay™Teresa Blakinger, Concepts Captured

VisualsVisuals include, video, drawings, pictures,

charts …Will describe how I used visuals to solve a

complex community problem and to do visioning and then provide some other examples.

Please ask questions during the webinar.

Using Visuals – Groundwater Video

VIDEO

Groundwater contaminationVery contentious issueThis is a story of the committee and the

outreach done in year 3.First couple committee meetings tried to

address all aspects at once – Too complicated – We needed focus!

Used this graphic to focus committee

….. Answering the questionsGraphic to depict complicated information on

following slide

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Answering Questions:Real estate transaction (RET) well tests

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“Engagement Curve”Where are you?

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What do we do?Solution Scenarios1. Do nothing2. Solve for drinking water only3. Monitor groundwater4. Develop a phased approach

to septic solutions 5. “One size fits all”

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Do nothingCurrently, ATT Systems are required to be installed in most areas as existing systems fail

Possible Outcomes UnknownsGovernment agency may

require earlier deploymentOngoing well contaminationDischarge into rivers may

become a problemPublic health problems may

occurHigh cost to individuals when

systems failHigh costs may be incurred if

a management area is declared

Only ATT options available

What is the rate of contamination?

What is the impact to the river?

If groundwater becomes highly contaminated, what is the effect on properties, tourism and economic development?

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Drinking Water and Groundwater

Groundwater is found in layers

Gravity pulls the water down

The lowest levels have the oldest water

Drinking water can be drawn from any layer of groundwater

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Solve for drinking water onlyPublic water systems eliminate health risk to drinking water

Possible Outcomes UnknownsEliminate risks to drinking

waterGovernment agency may

require groundwater protection

Groundwater contamination may affect rivers

ATT systems will still be required as systems fail

Can we allow continued groundwater contamination?

How will the public water system be managed?

How will the cost of a public water system be covered?

Would a public system require a Goal 11 exception? *

* Goal 11 is a State land use rule that prohibits public systems in rural areas

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Monitor groundwaterImplement a regular groundwater testing program to reveal contamination trends

Possible Outcomes UnknownsMore and better data on

groundwater contamination

Data may indicate something more must be done

Data may indicate nothing more must be done

What is the design of the program?

How will the program be managed?

How will the cost of the program be covered?

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Phased septic solutionsImplement septic solutions base on level of risk

Possible Outcomes UnknownsCosts are incurred as

neededMultiple solutions

deployed (most effective and cost effective)

Solutions in one area may reduce the need for solutions in other areas

How will the high risk areas be determined?

How will the approach be managed?

How will the solution costs be shared and covered?

What are the solution options?

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“One size fits all”Require all lots to employ the same solution

Possible Outcomes UnknownsInefficient: over-solve

some areas and under-solve others

High cost

Why would we choose this?

Outreach & Recommendations

Developed recommendations over 6 months

Outreach to over 250 citizens while developing the recommendations

Crafted the recommendations document while doing outreach

Example Outreach

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Groundwater concerns over timeWhere are you?

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In 1949 "According to a nationwide survey: More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette."

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How did we dispose of chemicals?In the 60’s, we disposed of chemicals such as:

PaintGasolinePaint thinnerUsed motor oil

By pouring them on the ground

Seemed like a good way to clean out the garage!

The Final MeetingAugust of 2013Joint Deschutes County Planning and

Commissioner meeting.Director of DEQ AttendedRecommendations were accepted by the

county and DEQ

The Story

Bringing Latino Voices to the Conversation

Creating a Vision for the Community’s Future

ActivitiesWinter of 2013-14 – Met with Bend 2030Developed materials for Latino conversationHeld first conversation in April 2014 (small

groups)Held second conversation in June 2014June 29 conversation focused on community

center

Bringing Latino Voices to the Conversation

Other LinksYouTube videosCivilsay.netConceptsCaptured.comUses of Graphic RecordingWorld Café GraphicMoment of Oh Book ebook

Observations about visuals Visuals should be simple & understandable Use visuals to focus the group Use visuals to display complex information Use visuals to maintain context Visual stories allow people to start where they

want Reuse content when you can

Thank You for Coming!John Blakinger, Blakinger Associates

Helping Communities Reach Durable Decisions

CivilSay.netJohn@Blakinger.com

541.593.9394

Teresa Blakinger, Concepts CapturedVisual Facilitation, Graphic Recording

Teresa@ConceptsCaptured.com 541.647.8029