Some possible “answers” … Note these are suggestions only and other possibilities might be just as appropriate. You should also note that the “answers” should not be seen to imply that actions and solutions to address such matters as those arising at Happyvale are simple and straightforward. On the contrary, they are likely to be highly complex and challenging for anyone in a leadership position.

Q 1:

  • Members of the management team of chemical company
  • Leaders, members of other volunteer bodies in the town
  • Principals, parent representatives of the local schools
  • Health officials – hospital, doctors etc
  • Local council member (s)
  • Any local environmental scientists – from local TAFE, school etc
  • Local union representatives, especially those representing groups at the company (it is worth noting here that they might need reminding that their own children are likely to be affected by the company’s actions)

Q 2:

  • Need to obtain some objective data on the possible health issues/implications before any meeting with the company – this can then be tabled as evidence of negative consequences of their actions on the community. For example, local analytical chemists might be used to gather relevant evidence of contaminants in the water
  • Need to canvas the impact (eg. numbers of children affected) of the company’s actions – such data can then be tabled in discussions with the company
  • Discuss and identify some agreed upon effective strategies for action eg. meetings with other stakeholder groups; evidence gathering; media strategy; planning in the longer term

Q 3:

  • Seek a meeting to discuss the concerns directly with the management of the company – using evidence such as that identified in Q 2 above
  • Establish a wider representative group (including other key stakeholders – refer Q 1) to seek a meeting with the management of the company – this would demonstrate wider community support for the concerns and minimise criticism that it was simply a “problem” being raised by a small group of “troublemakers”
  • Seek publicity for your concerns through local media outlets as well as support of local political/council members – particularly if the response from the chemical company is negative in the first instance

Q 4 & 5:

  • General advantages to be considered in any/all of the various strategies that might be employed include:
    • Avoid setting up potential negative responses by the company due to what might be perceived as threatening action – at least early in the campaign – that is, seek to address the concerns in a collaborative/partnership way

    • Seek strategies that are objective, factual and balanced – while it might be difficult to minimise emotional reactions, especially where children’s health is concerned, the company is much more likely to respond to factual data of the negative impact on their actions

     

  • General disadvantages of strategies to consider:
    • Potential for some strategies to become emotionally charged – this will be difficult in challenges such as this one (see comment above)

Q 6:
There will be demands on skills such as:

  • Individual and group leadership skills
  • Capacity to negotiate, collaborate and consult
  • Capacity to present complex information in various forms understandable and effective in raising major issues to different and varied groups and individuals eg. writing press releases; presenting scientific information for lay audiences

Leaders in the community will need to be good networkers and have an understanding of others’ abilities to harness the available skills across the Happyvale community. Existing skills will be important as there may be little time to develop new skills in this particular case.

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