Systematic Development of Informed Consent

Mn/DOT has been using the Systematic Development of Informed Consent (SDIC)
process, developed by Hans and Annemarie Bleiker of the Institute for Participatory
Management and Planning, to comprehensively guide public involvement planning (see Case
Study #22, describing the Metro Division’s Transportation System Plan.) SDIC seeks to 1)
establish the public agency’s legitimate role by casting its program as one aimed at problemsolving
and, 2) to communicate to the public the serious nature of the problem the agency is
attempting to address, e.g., that if the problem is not addressed there will be profound
impacts on someone’s quality of life. The premise of the SDIC process is that accomplishing
these two objectives, in combination with a thorough public involvement process, will allow
an agency to achieve informed consent. Informed consent is usually far short of unanimous
support or consensus. It is, however, enough of an agreement so that each interest or
individual with the capability of vetoing a proposed course of action is persuaded that they
can live with its consequences.

The SDIC process identifies 15 citizen participation objectives aimed at developing
informed consent. They are grouped into three categories: Responsibility Objectives,
Responsiveness Objectives, and Effectiveness Objectives. It is critical to an effectively
designed and administered public involvement program to ensure that the techniques and
methods of involvement are connected to the objective that needs to be achieved.

More information about the SDIC process can be obtained by contacting the Institute
for Participatory Management and Planning, P.O. Box 1937, Monterey, CA 93942.
Mn/DOT personnel can check with their employee development specialist to inquire
about the availability of training.