Guiding Principles and Policies
- Creative vs. Reactive
The intent of the communications program is to take a creative approach versus a reactive approach. The idea is to plan and execute a communications program, which creates the channels of communications and the communications tools necessary to achieve the goals, rather than simply to respond to inquiries.
- Positive vs. Negative
The emphasis in this program is on positive themes, activities, services and programs of the County government rather than on negative things. Although the County frequently must deal with negative events, the emphasis in the communications program is the County's understanding of these events and programs to handle them.
- Future vs. Past
Similarly, the emphasis is on the future of the County rather than on activities and events of the past. Shakespeare wrote that past is prologue. In a County with the rich heritage of Aspen, it is a good idea to understand the past and interpret the future in light of past activities, but the emphasis must always be on the future. After all, the future is the only dimension in which positive change can take place.
- Two-way vs. One-way
Connected with the principle of being proactive is the idea that the communications of the County need to be two-way rather than one-way, so that the County is always listening to its public and engaging in dialogue to understand their needs and wants and their suggested solutions.
- Open vs. Closed
The intent is to run an open communications system rather than one that is closed. That means information needs to be shared throughout the organization as well as throughout the community. Openness creates a sense of belonging and teamwork, whereas closed systems breed suspicion and paranoia. Open communications is a major ingredient of community problem solving.
- Decentralized vs. Centralized
A decentralized communications system complements an open system. This is a very practical method of operation, since the most obvious source of information is the person who works in a particular subject area everyday. With decentralization comes the need for training to ensure that County employees are sensitive to the differences between factual information and policy areas.
- Interactive vs. Top down
Interactive communications involves the two-way flow of information, both internally within the County government and externally in County relationships with citizens and institutions in the community. Interaction also enhances the success by calling on the best thoughts and ideas of everyone involved rather than just a few people at the top of the information pyramid.
- Inclusive vs. Exclusive
Similarly, including everyone in the communications process builds teamwork and a feeling of belonging, breaking down feelings of "us vs. them" which are common in many governments and in many relationships of County government with its citizens. The goal is to include everyone who cares to participate and to motivate those who are not currently engaged.
- Strongly themed vs. Scattered messages
A communications program built on strong themes is more effective than one with unrelated and scattered messages. The communications program should support, reinforce and reflect the goals of the County government as established by the BOCC and the County management, thus underscoring the idea of an organization with one common purpose in concert with its citizens, customers and constituents (who frequently are the same people).
- Resource partnering vs. Isolation
Partnership compliments all other guiding principles for productive, positive and sustaining community relations. Pitkin County will seek appropriate partners (non-profit, public, business and other governments) in focused efforts to address shared problems and issues. Each partnership effort that we embark on must have clear objectives, roles and responsibilities, and processes in order to work effectively with those who join us at the table.
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Contact us
Nan Sundeen, Director of Community Relations
530 East Main Street, 3rd Floor
Aspen, CO 81611
970-920-5209
Fax 970-920-5198
E-mail:
nans@co.pitkin.co.us
Pat Bingham, Public Relations Specialist
530 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
970-920-5204
Fax 970-920-5198
E-mail:
patb@co.pitkin.co.us
Phone: (970) 920-5209
Fax: (970) 920-5198
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