Whether the dialogue is a week or more long cycle of events as set out here, or just a first conversation probing some new or alternative ideas or approaches for specific issues in the city, the key in both cases is to think in terms of outreach: reaching out to and involving the full range of local actors in the process of problem setting and problem solving.

The details of event organization, agenda, dates, participation, funding, etc. are to be worked out in close collaboration of the main partners and sponsors. Likewise for the outreach and brainstorming sessions (topics, timing, participants, etc.) and the final reports as required by the hosts. The key to the success of these events resides in the creative collaboration of five key groups.

Sponsors/Hosts

The first critical key to making this collaborative process work is to have the full backing and participation of the city or agency sponsors, with enthusiasm and support right from the top. Funding for the events may come from civic leaders, foundations, local environmental, etc. groups, specialized university programs, concerned individuals, local banks or businesses, and supporting regional/national agencies. Support may also come from agencies, foundations or individuals who are committed to these causes.

Facilitator/Coordinator

The second key is have the active support of a well-placed person or group who will help plan, coordinate and prepare the project locally, and then if agreed introduce and moderate the various sessions, starting with the more formal presentations. This will ideally be someone who is deeply knowledgeable about the community, the city, its leadership, and the mobility issues that we shall be looking at. This person may be a representative of the city or other with deep background in the issues.

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Moderator/Presenter

For this first round of conferences and presentations the New Mobility Agenda program is being led by its Founder, Eric Britton (though once sufficient background and supporting materials for the presentations are developed there are others of our international colleagues who are equipped to do as well or better on their own, with the support of the Agenda and its networks).

• The public conference component is able to draw on a five part base, an early version of which you can call up by clicking here. The full content of the presentation and discussions are to be worked out for and with the city hosts to ensure highest usefulness to all.
• It is proposed that where outreach sessions are organized (highly recommended!), these be held prior to the public presentations, once again to ensure greatest relevance and usefulness.

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Outreach organization/participation

This fourth critical partner holds the key to its originality and potential for success: bringing in as active participants the full range of people and groups within the area who are working on and following the issues, and who are inevitably part of the solution. These are the people and groups who are going to stay behind after the short events and ensure the future.

• Outreach topics: The potential range is very wide indeed and will be shaped by the interests and ongoing activities and projects within the host city. Click here for a first list to get you going. Again, final selection to be made in a cooperative process.
• Outreach partners: Click here for a first listing of groups, functions and outreach partners to be brought into the events as active participants. (We call this the "deep democracy" component of the New Mobility Agenda. An indispensable tool for 21st century citizenship and informed and fair public policy)

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Outreach topics: A checklist to get you going

We post this quick list here to point up the great wealth of issues and approaches in which some very interesting, often surprising progress is being made at the eliding edge and that lend themselves to these wide open discussions. Once again we need to emphasize the critical partnership aspects of these Dialogues.