The Potomac Highlands School of Water Resources 

"Oh Deer!" Environmental Forum 2006

Stakeholder Position Papers

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What is a Stakeholder POV?

A stakeholder is a person or a group with a legitimate interest in a project, organization, or government action.  (To learn more about Stakeholders, try this link.) Stakeholder groups with an interest in deer management include homeowners, farmers, hunters, foresters, the forest itself, deer, and businesses (such as insurance companies).  Can you think of other stakeholders?  Each of these groups will be affected by the measures that will be taken to address the problem, and each wants a “seat at the table” when options are discussed or decisions are made.  Every stakeholder group has interests that are unique to them, and every stakeholder group wants to be heard.  Your first job will be to write a persuasive “Point of View” statement for your stakeholder group that describes why you are important, how having too many deer (or related problems) affect you, how the possible solutions affect you personally and maybe affect your livelihood.  You will have two "bites at this apple."  During the second week each group should really try to build a strong case for their group's position - based on facts, not just belief.  Think about these questions:

  • Will the solutions “cost” you in any demonstrable way?  What do you have to give up?

  • Will the solutions benefit you directly?

  • What could be done that would make your group more willing to participate?

  • How could the solutions be structured so your group would prosper as a result?

  • What would happen if you were so harmed by the process that you disappeared?

By this time, you have done quite a bit of research on deer.  Now its time to take a stand for your stakeholder group.  Whether you represent farmers, hunters, foresters, the forest ecosystem, area homeowners, or some other affected party, the group you represent has a stake in the management of deer.  Your task at this point is to submit a position paper that represents the point of view of your stakeholder group.  Entries are due by Friday October 28, and will be posted when you return to school on Monday October 31. 

Keep in mind that what you write will be read by your peers in three other schools, and will be available for the entire world to read.

We strongly suggest that you write your POV statements in a word processing program like Word or Notepad, save it, and then copy and paste into the form below!!  There are two reasons for this:

  • Sometimes forms fail when you submit them, and it is not fun to lose your hard work. 

  • Your POV should be considered a working document that each group refines over time; you don't want to keep retyping your statement -- that's why you have a word processor.

  • If you have trouble with the form, you can email results to ci@cacaponinstitute.org

Your School: Your Class:
Teacher: Group Name and number of students:
Stakeholder Group (pick one) Farmer  Hunter  Forester  The Forest  Homeowner

Other:

Position Paper