Engagement Tools
In addition to this Handbook, there are a number of tools available to help foster engagement between community members and community leaders, and between local governments and organizations and state governments. One of the most important aspects of facilitating an engaged community is simply to provide relevant information. Examples include providing information that helps citizens to understand how municipal processes occur, how local ordinances are passed, how community officials are elected, and so on. While some of these processes may vary between localities, the Environmental Integrity Project has developed a Citizens’ Toolkit to help individuals better understand their local government and how to get involved with issues important to them. The Toolkit contains helpful information about attending public meetings and hearings, the Right to Know Law and Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law, and even how to write a letter to the editor.