Give them plenty of information that will answer all their questions and concerns, showing them that their initial reaction isn't correct. Try to keep them on your side -- be friendly and professional, keep a sense of humor about the whole thing, treat them as if you think they're well-intentioned and willing to be open-minded. Use 'WE' not 'YOU' or 'THEY' when you discuss their actions. For instance, when you speak at a meeting, say, "I believe we should reconsider allowing chicken-keeping," rather than "I believe you should reconsider allowing chicken-keeping." When you talk to the media, say, "We as a community really need to take a closer look at this, because chickens are a lot less stinky than the average dog, and four chickens in a safe enclosure won't attract more predators -- predators are already here, attracted by thirty rabbits and two dozen squirrels already living in my yard," not "They think chickens are stinky and attract predators."
Here's a starting place for a document you can use. Feel free to download it and edit it to reflect your own area and/or the concerns voiced. It addresses the issues of whether chickens are stinky and whether they attract predators, among dozens of other possible concerns people might have.
Don't take an adversarial approach. Once they get their heels dug in, it's a lot harder for them to move in your favor. Once you've drawn up sides, it's hard to change teams.
Depending on his/her relationship with the other three, consider approaching the 1 who voted with you for advice. A champion on the inside is your most powerful tool, as long as he isn't always the outsider.
Val
Quote:
Here's a starting place for a document you can use. Feel free to download it and edit it to reflect your own area and/or the concerns voiced. It addresses the issues of whether chickens are stinky and whether they attract predators, among dozens of other possible concerns people might have.
Don't take an adversarial approach. Once they get their heels dug in, it's a lot harder for them to move in your favor. Once you've drawn up sides, it's hard to change teams.
Depending on his/her relationship with the other three, consider approaching the 1 who voted with you for advice. A champion on the inside is your most powerful tool, as long as he isn't always the outsider.
Val
Quote:
