What are the challenges in your region? How can these challenges be addressed?
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) wants to hear what people feel are the key social, economic and environmental issues in the region, and invites people to have a say at www.cbt.org/engagement2013 by June 3.
"Over the coming months CBT is renewing its social, economic and environmental strategic plans," said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. "We invite everyone to share their thoughts and ideas to ensure we are considering a wide variety of opinions as we, and others, plan for the years to come."
This engagement has two steps. First, residents will have an opportunity to respond to six open-ended questions.
Next, in a few weeks, participants will be asked to review thoughts and ideas from other residents and assign "stars" to the ideas they like best. Participant information remains confidential.
Finally, CBT will share a final report with all participants.
CBT will be piloting an online engagement tool called THOUGHTstream. An evolution of the typical survey, this tool allows people to contribute individual thoughts on an issue and then arrive at a shared understanding by collectively prioritizing those thoughts.
"This online tool is as easy to use as email, making it accessible to a majority of Basin residents, which means broad public engagement can be done meaningfully and cost-effectively," said Muth.
"This is an opportunity to nurture mutual understanding-for us to learn from residents and for residents to learn from each other."
To have your say, visit www.cbt.org/engagement2013. Input is welcome until Sunday, June 3.