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Sustainable Lands Strategy Facilitation

21 July 2021
Sustainable Lands Strategy Facilitation

Client: Snohomish County, Sustainable Lands Strategy

Case Study: Peak facilitated the Executive Committee, coordinated with the Stillaguamish and Lower Skykomish Integration Teams, and facilitated the Communications Group with outreach and community engagement. The Snohomish County Sustainable Lands Strategy, established in 2010, worked to address the conflict between the dual mandates of preserving farmland and protecting fish throughout Snohomish County. The SLS process set the table to develop understanding, relationships, and strategies that create and achieve a shared vision and beneficial outcomes for the three watersheds in Snohomish County.

Impact: Rather than being at odds with each other, Peak’s facilitation helps fish, farm, and flood management advocates make more progress by working together. The key was to weave local cultures together and find ways to sustain and benefit them in a changing future. SLS tackled key organizational, policy, and technical issues, agreeing upon a work plan, engaging in monthly communication and coordination, and acting on priorities. Our coordination and facilitation kept people talking and projects moving forward and promoted creativity and collaboration as well.

Testimonial: “Kudos to Peak for their facilitation role in guiding the SLS and IT work over the last year or more. We are seeing some good momentum, not without conflict (that is to be expected), but great to see the IT/SLS framework start to take shape and a robust work plan to direct this work. Thank you all for your efforts to advance integrated floodplain management and collaboration in these watersheds.” Jessica Hammill, Project Specialist IV, Snohomish County Public Works

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community engagement

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The CBSM Process

  1. Understand the Community: The process begins by deeply understanding the target community’s needs, values, and current behaviors related to the issue. This involves research, focus groups, and community outreach.

  2. Identify Barriers and Benefits: Specific roadblocks hindering sustainable behavior are identified by interacting with community members. This collaborative approach ensures solutions directly address community needs and communicates the benefits of adopting the behavior.

  3. Develop Effective Interventions: Utilizing proven social marketing tools and strategies, tailored interventions are designed to address the identified barriers and leverage the perceived benefits. Examples include community workshops, social norm campaigns, and incentive programs.

  4. Implement and Evaluate: The interventions are implemented in partnership with community stakeholders, building local ownership and promoting long-term sustainability. Continuous evaluation ensures effectiveness and allows for adjustments based on community feedback.

Benefits of CBSM

  • Sustainable Behavior Change: Addressing barriers and fostering intrinsic motivation promotes lasting behavior change within communities.
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  • Culturally Relevant Solutions: Tailored interventions ensure they resonate with the community’s specific values and norms.
  • Cost-Effective Approach: Leveraging community resources and partnerships maximizes impact while minimizing costs.
  • Scalability and Replication: Successful CBSM initiatives can be adapted and replicated in other communities, fostering widespread change

By empowering communities to become active participants in solving environmental and social challenges, CBSM offers an effective too for change.

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community engagement

Engagement

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Engagement

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Ecosystems

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Ecosystems

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Ecosystems

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Move confidently forward with Peak’s help and areas of expertise.

 

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Ecosystems

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Plan, design, manage, and nurture built and natural environments.

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