There are many in San Francisco who never speak up about their concerns or their ideas for a number of reasons. At the same time, there are a small number of individuals who regularly speak up at meetings, via e-mail, etc., so their views are highlighted. The majority of residents are often silent on the issues that affect their lives. How can we encourage more participation among the silent majority?

This became an issue for me personally in my role as a community organizer on Treasure Island. As above, we have a small number of very vocal community members (me being one of them) but wanted to find a way to get input to help even out our understanding of the quality of life issues that affect us all.

In 2011, our Treasure Island community orgnaization (Good Neighbors of TI/YBI) conducted a quality of life survey covering a number of topics for the year 2010. We recently completed collecting data for 2011 and are working on a report that will show trends over the past two years. We use this information to help request improvements from the city and to help us understand the concerns of our community. I think other communities would benefit from such a tool. We are currently working on an abbreviated version of a “Community Quality of Life Report Card”.

How would you incorage more participation from the silent majority?