Mock Community Planning Meeting

Complexities of community planning

Importance of considering diverse perspectives

Public speaking skills

Critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills

Paper copy of the slides

Scrap Paper

Writing Utensils

Name Tags

Introduce the students to the activity.  (A role-played meeting).

Divide the group into their previously assigned groups (mayor, teacher, utility operator, etc. . . )

Each group will be given the opportunity to prepare a short statement on their behalf to be presented by a spokesman for the group.

Other interest groups or individuals may ask questions.

The instructor will preside over the meeting and ask each group to state their case in turn.

After all groups have spoken, a vote will be taken.

Discuss the outcome and possible alternatives.

Wrap-up with an explanation of how everyone has the power to decide the best uses for land and can utilize that power by participating in the legislative system through votes, letters, and attending meetings.

Heated discussion

Participants may not plan for their role

Lesson may run for a longer period

Participants will get into roles