Cover
Title
Copyright
Contents
Dedication
Author’s Note
Acknowledgement
Introduction
Chapter One. The 4 Power Centers: Prime Decision-Making Arenas of Local Government
THE LOCAL GOVERNING BODY (Mayor & Council) and Your Legal Rights to Participate in Decision-Making
THE SCHOOL BOARD and Your Legal Rights to Participate in Decision-Making
THE PLANNING BOARD and Your Legal Rights to Participate in Decision-Making
THE LOCAL POLITICAL PARTY and Your Legal Rights to Participate in Decision-Making
Chapter Two. Citizen Power in the 21st Century
Expanded citizen problem solving power through advances in technology
Expanded citizen rights to participate in government decision-making
Accessing current policy details (OPRA-the Open Public Records Act)
Introducing your solutions OPMA-the Open Public Meetings Act
Chapter Three. The Power of Practical Solutions: The 3 principles of pragmatic problem solving
Solutions should be beneficial to the community as a whole
Chapter Four. The Power of the No-Blame Approach
Chapter Five. Using the Strategy of no Blame Problem Solving
Identifying Your Issue and Finding Solutions
Adapting Your Solution to Make It “Doable”
Presenting Your Solution For Adoption
Respectful Pursuit to Implementation of Your Solution
Chapter Six. The No-Blame Problem Solving Guide
The Key Steps
Chapter Seven. Media Literacy in the Search For Solutions
Chapter Eight. Powerful Roles for Citizen Problem Solvers
Serving as a Civic Trustee
Serving as a Solutions Advocate
Serving in an Appointed Government Office
Serving as a Neighborhood Political Party Representative
Chapter Nine. The Civic Trust
Civic Trusts. A Great Opportunity to Serve your Community and your Country
Note to Non Citizens
About the Author
Civic Trustee Handbook
Back Cover