Open 'First and Main'

If you decide to open your issue for public comment, it will be the new 'featured' issue in your Kitchen Democracy community. Kitchen Democracy will announce the opening to all email update subscribers in your community.

If you've written a balanced presentation, a robust discussion will probably ensue. While there are no guarantees, it is likely that the trends in the public statements will reflect what you saw in the Suggestion Box.

The more people participate, the more persuasive your case. Here are a few ideas to increase participation beyond that generated by the Kitchen Democracy announcement:

• Tell the local newspaper. Especially if yours is among the first Kitchen Democracy issues in your community, it will probably be a great story. Most of the information is already on the web, readily available to the busy reporter who will probably cover your story if you tell the editor about it.
• Announce the issue on appropriate email lists.
• Distribute fliers, which you can print from the website.
• Announce the issue at neighborhood meetings.

If you have incorporated feedback from the suggestion box reviewers, your issue will meet many of your Kitchen Democracy community's requirements. While there are no guarantees, you'll probably enjoy widespread support after your issue opens.