How
Introduction
We cannot tell you how to ‘do’
consumer participation because context, interpersonal engagement
and community development will always determine how to 'do'
consumer participation. Instead, we will use this section
of the website to introduce some of the methods and models
of consumer participation.
All references referred to throughout
the text are available in electronic format from the Practical
Tools section, and where a resource is not readily available
we have provided a contact phone number and/or ordering details.
Questions to ask before involving
consumers
Before involving consumers, and
before thinking about methods and models of consumer participation,
there is need for reflection.
Service providers commonly ask
–
- How do we find consumers?
- How do we get consumers involved?
- Who is a real consumer and
how do we know when we have a real consumer voice?
- How do we know we are not
just hearing the loudest voices?
Changing the questions
you ask, or changing the way you ask questions is part of
the process of changing the culture of your organisation.
Questions could therefore be
-
- What is the commitment of
our organisation to consumer participation?
- Can we develop ways to ensure
that consumers who participate will be listened to?
- Do we know who our consumers
are?
- Do we know how consumers would
like to participate?
- Are there different areas
and levels in which consumers can participate within the
organisation?
- How will the organisation
support those consumers who provide their time and expertise?
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