Ask participants to individually consider the following questions. This can be done for individuals but also by organisation or sector.
- Who has relevant knowledge?
- Who will be affected?
- Who has power to influence? (consider not just decision-making power, but also peers and with the public)
- Who are potential allies and opponents?
- Are there people whose voices may not be heard?
- Are there people are not currently in positions of power or influence, but who are necessary in the solution?
- Who will be responsible for managing outcomes?
- Who can facilitate or impede?
- Who can contribute financial or technical resources?
Ask participants to list individuals and organisations on individual Post-it notes. Compile a list of affected groups and individuals.
Draw up a large interest and influence map on a whiteboard or paper. Discuss where to place each Post-it. Note if any are growing or waning in their influence or interest.
For example, the district's mayor has a lot of power, but the issue is not a priority for her. She goes in the high influence / low interest quadrant.
A local park ranger deals with the issue on a daily basis, but has little ability to influence things.
He goes in low influence / high interest.
Representatives from local iwis have high interest and high influence.
Continue locating people and groups until you run out of names.
Capture and document the completed map and share between the group.
