We always advise you to start by creating a participation approach. By using a proven method in doing so, you increase the chances of a successfully implemented participation. The method uses 5 steps. By properly completing these steps, the plan for your participation approach is created: 

• Step 1: why engage in conversation
• Step 2: what to talk about
• Step 3: Who to talk to
• Step 4: How to engage in conversation
• Step 5: When to engage in conversation

Click here to complete the participation approach. And also take a look at these tips

Below is the explanation of how to use the 5 steps in the Participation Approach Roadmap: 

Step 1: Why engage in conversation 

You take an initiative. That is, of course, the subject of the participation conversation. But consider in advance what you want to achieve with the discussion, what you want to know from your discussion partners and whether you can offer room for thinking about your initiative. At the same time, determine what is already fixed and what cannot be discussed (the frameworks). The discussion partners can be given the following roles: 

• Taking part (informing) 
• Thinking along (asking for opinions)
• Cooperating (asking for opinions and asking for suggestions/recommendations for the initiative)
• Co-decision (joint decision)

Step 2: What to talk about

Make it very clear what your initiative entails so that your interlocutors get a complete picture. Don't forget to mention the topics that are fixed. Next, formulate as concretely as possible the questions you have for the various interlocutors. You formulate these questions according to the role you can give them. Someone who only thinks along should ask different questions than someone who allows you to help decide. 

Step 3: Who to talk to

When you have a low-impact initiative, the number of stakeholders will also be small. Perhaps it is only your immediate neighbors that you want to involve. However, if you take an initiative with more impact, you will undoubtedly have to deal with more groups you want to involve. By the way, a small initiative does not mean that the impact for stakeholders is always small. Putting an extra floor on your house can strongly influence the view of your two direct neighbors. For them, then, it is a high-impact initiative.

Step 4: How to engage in conversation

You can fill in the conversation about your initiative in many different ways. It may be sufficient to inform your neighbors personally about your initiative and ask them for their opinions. But if you want to involve more people, you might need an information evening or a walk-in afternoon. Think carefully about the set-up, because the more attractive it is, the better the turnout and yield can be. 

Step 5: When to engage in conversation? 

Once you have heard from the municipality that your initiative seems feasible in outline terms, you can begin participation. Do this at an early stage of making your plans. This will give you enough time and opportunity to do something with any objections, opinions and creative input.

Would you like to read all the information about the participation process in one overview? Then take a look at the 'Leidraad Participatie bij ruimtelijke initiatieven in de gemeente Geldrop-Mierlo 

Do you have questions or would like more information? If so, please contact case manager for environmental permits, tel. ( 0)40 289 38 93.