August 2020 Newsletter

From the Executive Manager's Desk: Gail Madziar

We are well into six months of COVID-19 and its accompanying quarantines, social distancing, masking and zoom meetings and I know we are all weary. But like you, we keep moving forward finding ways to support our membership and our communities. We have all had to reinvent ourselves and adapt to changes. During this challenging time our tag line, Pursuing the Greater Good: Good Decisions, Made Together never seemed more appropriate. 

You’ll notice some changes when registering for IAP2 courses or paying your dues. We’ve moved from Paypal to Affinipay for our payment processing system. This new system offers more features by integrating with our Wild Apricot data management system providing more options for payments and donations. This would be a good time to visit your membership information and update any changes.

Celebrate: Core Values Awards

This year's Core Values Awards and Greater Good award winners will have their own celebration. It’s free, open to everyone, and promises fun and entertainment to help us celebrate some deserving folks and outstanding projects. Invite your friends, colleagues, anyone who might want to learn more about the P2 process. This is a great time to include your community, family and coworkers in a little revelry. September 30, 2020 3:00 p.m. Pacific and 6:00 p.m. Eastern. It’s just the right time for a relaxing cup of tea or other beverage.

New Emerging Chapter : Northeast Chapter


Congratulations to our newest emerging Chapter which was approved by the IAP2 USA Board of Directors at its August meeting. The Northeast Emerging Chapter managed to launch itself virtually during a pandemic and is set for an exciting year. They show us what can be accomplished with ingenuity and perseverance. This could be a good time to explore a chapter in your area. Contact us for more information. Info@iap2usa.org

Training & Events

New Online Course Offerings

IAP2 USA announces online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have added multiple dates for our signature Foundations in Public Participation Courses and several other courses

Check out our Training Calendar 


2020 North American Virtual Conference: 8 Days Away


The changing times have brought new challenges for all of us. But how to handle them? 

This year’s IAP2 North American Conference (Sept. 8 - 11) boasts four dynamic, and insightful keynote speakers who will challenge you, encourage you and help you see into the issues of the day and how to address them.

If you are an IAP2 USA or IAP2 International member, please contact info@iap2canada.ca for your password.

Upcoming Events

Sep 1, 2, 3, 4 - Online Course Social Media & P2: How to Design and Host Effective Digital Public Engagement (SOLD OUT)

Sept. 8 - 11 - 2020 IAP2 North American Virtual Conference

Sept 22 - Online Course Advanced Equity 

Sep 23, 24 & 25 - Online Course When Things Go Sideways: How to Embrace Emotion and Change Results

Sep 28 - Oct 2 Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 1: Planning for Effective Participation 

Oct 5-8 Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 2: Techniques for Effective Participation 

October 7 - Online Course Foundations in Equity

Oct 13, 14,& 15 - Online Course Meaningful Tools, Powerful Outcomes 

Oct 27 & 28 - Online Course The Nimble Facilitator: Off the Rails, but Still on Track

Nov 2 - 6  Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 1: Planning for Effective Participation 

Nov 9 - 12 Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 2: Techniques for Effective Participation

November 12&13 - Online Course Deliberative Dialogue

Nov 17 -Online Course Advanced Equity

Nov 30 - Dec 6 Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 1: Planning for Effective Participation 

Dec 7 - 10 - Online Course IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Module 2: Techniques for Effective Participation

Other News

Member Spotlight

If your organization  had any recent P2 successes or thought of creative solutions we want to hear about it! Please contact info@iap2usa.org to be featured on our website or newsletter.

COVID-19 Resources


If you are looking for guidance on how to safely reopen your next event, The ESA Reopening guide offers a great checklist.

**We continue to add more resources to help you adjust to the new virtual world. Check out our favorite online tips and tools here. **


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