Participation level:

Medium (Opinions noted)
Low (Information only)

Innovation level:

Medium (Some new elements)

Facilitator skill level, and other support required:

Medium (Computer & other expertise)

Can be used for:

Showcase product, plan, policy
Engage community
Discover community issues
Communicate an issue

Shopfronts or site offices provide a temporary 'headquarters' where people can come for information or to see and talk to the people who are knowledgeable about or planning around an issue or project.

Shopfronts can produce a better-informed community, and allow people to feel greater ownership of a process, organisation, or community.

To access participants who are not generally interested in formal participation programs
To improve public relations
For convenience
To facilitate informal participation
To locate project stakeholders

Community members may not consider this a legitimate avenue to have a say.
The shopfronts can be easily targeted by activists.

Organizing Shop Front

How many people to organize?

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

Time required:

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

Cost:

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

Select a centralized venue that has a lot of passer-by traffic. Usually owners of vacant shops are very happy to lease over short periods of time.
Select staff/volunteers with strong public relations skills and knowledge of the project and participatory processes (i.e.who will encourage people to chat and discuss issues and be aware of offering different feedback options).
Provide display materials, printed public information materials, technical reports, maps, photographs etc. that will be provide all sectors of the community with a means to understand the issues or proposals.
Advertise the variety of opportunities for public participation throughout the participation program.
Provide a variety of opportunities for feedback, including speaking person-to-person, filling in feedback sheets and contacting email/website addresses.
Provide adequate seating and consider visitors' comfort (drinks, toilets, childcare, accessibility).
Staff should record visits to document participation process and to note issues, concerns and suggestions and report these to the organisation/organisers.