4. Making a Policy

4.3. Community Consultation

It is critical that the community is consulted in the development of policies. Consultation can include:

Engage Elders and Traditional Owners

·       Involve local Elders from the start to guide the process and ensure cultural protocols are followed.

·       Seek their advice on how the community prefers to participate.

Yarning Circles

·       Use informal, respectful discussion circles that allow participants to share stories, experiences, and perspectives.

·       Encourages open dialogue in a culturally safe environment.

Community Meetings and Forums

·       Hold meetings at accessible locations and times convenient for community members.

·       Provide opportunities for questions, feedback, and collaborative discussion.

 Use of Visual and Oral Methods

·       Incorporate storytelling, artwork, diagrams, or videos to communicate ideas clearly.

·       Reduces barriers for those with diverse literacy levels.

Inclusive and Respectful Communication

·       Use plain language and avoid jargon.

·       Employ interpreters or language support if needed.

·       Respect decision-making processes and timeframes valued by the community.

Written Feedback and Surveys

·       Provide options for written or anonymous feedback for those who prefer it.

·       Ensure materials are culturally sensitive and easy to understand.

Ongoing Engagement

·       Keep the community informed throughout the policy development process.

·       Provide feedback on how their input influenced the final policy.