24. Arrange a town meeting

If you’re freaking out about the crisis, if you have more questions than you can find answers to, it’s a good bet that some of your neighbors are in the same situation.  So why not get some people together and talk about it?

Suggestions:

Before the meeting…

1. Check with your local schools, your library, your Chamber of Commerce, or churches about the availability of free community meeting space to discuss the crisis situation.
2. Decide what structure you want.  You might set the meeting up as a panel discussion (cf. 43. Find experts and ask them about the situation), or just as an open discussion for folks to share information or ask questions.  You should also decide on your ground rules – how long each person will be allowed to speak, how you will keep any particular individual(s) from dominating the meeting, and so on.
3. Write notices for the media. There are several kinds to consider:
   1. A simple notice, such as might be included in a newspaper’s “What’s Happening” column. Include just the basic facts (what, when, where) and contact information. Brevity is key.
   2. A “public service announcement” or PSA, for broadcast on radio stations. Check with your local stations to see how long the announcement should be; usual lengths are 30 or 60 seconds.
   3. A full-blown press release.
4. Consider other forms of publicity, such as flyers or newspaper ads.
5. Decide how you want the space set up – circular, lecture style, small groups around tables, etc. – depending on the kinds of interaction you want to facilitate and encourage.
6. Will you need any kind of sound amplification equipment? Visual aids?
7. Also consider what kinds of refreshments, if any, might be appropriate.

During the meeting…

1. Start as close to on time as possible.
2. Explain the purpose of the meeting, and make sure everyone understands the ground rules.
3. Have a sign-up sheet available, in case people want to continue discussions – or organize to take action – at some future time.

After the meeting…

1. Get feedback, either formally or informally, about what went well and what you might have done differently.
2. Follow up as needed. Acknowledge those who helped or participated.