Participation level:

Medium (Opinions noted)
Low (Information only)

Innovation level:

Medium (Some new elements)

Facilitator skill level, and other support required:

High (Specialist skills)
Medium (Computer & other expertise)

Can be used for:

Showcase product, plan, policy
Engage community
Communicate an issue

Field trips aim to let people to 'see for themselves' the place where a development is proposed to be placed, or to have a demonstration of a technique, for example, water quality testing, in the environment where the technique can be tried, and where it is most able to be seen, remembered, and understood.

Field trips provide people with an understanding about a place and/or practice that allows them to incorporate a new method into their practice, or to provide informed opinions on a proposal or issue.

Used when the issue being considered has a geographic focus
Used when a large number of stakeholders are involved in the process
Used where participants require information or education and these are best provided or explained on-site
Used when a demonstration will be more effective than presentations
Adds transparency and education to the process of participation
Provides opportunity for rapport with key stakeholders
Creates greater public knowledge of issues and processes

Costly if a large number of experts are engaged to present on site.
Larger number of participants require large number of staff/facilitators
Number of participants is limited by logistics.
Potentially attractive to protesters.

Organizing Field Trip

How many people to organize?

Large (> 12 people)
Medium (2-12 people)
Individual

Time required:

Long (> 6 months)
Medium (6 weeks-6 months)

Cost:

Medium (AUD$1,000-AUD$10,000)
Low (< AUD$1,000)

Publicise the field trip
Select times that suit the largest number of participants (e.g. select from after hours for full-time workers, daytime for retirees or parents with small children).
Field trips can run from several hours to full days to allow the greatest number of participants to attend (depending on the time participants can spare; distance to be traveled; availability of expertise and/or case studies).
Advertise the agenda and times of key presentations in appropriate place, e.g. local media; posters at local stores and libraries. This will allow participants to attend for shorter periods if necessary, and will allow them to choose sessions of interest.
Ensure adequate staff on site to provide assistance (e.g. give directions; be available for first-aid; organise food and drink (catering, set-up and clean away), etcetera.
Create and display signs that publicise the location of field trip through attachment of maps/directions with a pre-posted agenda.
Ensure all publicity (signs, media releases, brochures) provide directions from major routes near the site.
Allow time for participants to approach experts for one-to- one discussions.
Provide printed public information materials during the field trip for interested participants.
Appoint staff to act as note takers during the discussions.
Provide feedback forms/survey/response sheets to facilitate public input.
Pay attention to duty of care/safety issues. If site is difficult to access or contains elements of risk, make necessary preparations to avoid accidents with an emphasis on participants with disabilities.
Organise catering if appropriate
Ensure toilets are available