From the Executive Manager - Erin Zimmermann

Greetings! 

How is it December already? Time really is a funny thing. It’s so steady and yet, doesn’t always feel that way. This year in particular, there’s a sense of squeezing all the last minutes in, while time will continue at its steady pace. 

As we close out the year and look toward 2023, IAP2 USA is focusing on making space for listening. Thank you to those who took time to answer our recent membership poll. The thoughtful insights on the P2 outlook for 2023 is invaluable. 

It’s clear that the economy, politics, and the pandemic have impacted P2 and practitioners. More than ever, effective P2 training will need to focus on the evolving challenges of engaging communities. 

Five consistent, current themes within the practice we hear are:

• Reaching underserved communities and vulnerable groups with limited available resources. 

• Meeting all the needs of clients, especially around equity and inclusion

• Capacity – Internal Resources - Funding

• Politics and its impact on P2

• Public Trust and Community Fatigue

We will share these comments with the training and professional development committee and staff will make efforts to ensure our course offerings and programming address these critical needs. 

Additionally, we will be sending out a more comprehensive membership survey in coming weeks, so please look for that in your inboxes. Thank you for continuing to advance p2 in your community and across our country.

Erin Zimmermann, 

Executive Manager

IAP2 USA

IAP2 USA Board of Directors Elections Close Today

Help set the Direction for IAP2 USA

Elections close December 6, 2022. Help select the leadership for your expanding organization by voting for the new 2023 - 2025 directors.

You should have received an email on November 21 with instructions for voting. If you did not receive your ballot or have questions, please contact info@iap2usa.org. 

We have an outstanding slate of candidates this year. Visit the IAP2 website prior to the election to review their qualifications.

Please vote! Your participation makes our organization stronger.

Join the Team! 

IAP2 USA is looking for a Training and Professional Development Coordinator and Conference Event Planner. Learn more and find more career opportunities here:

https://www.iap2usa.org/jobs

IAP2 USA DEI Committee Update

Have you been wondering what IAP2 USA has been doing to support diversity, equity and inclusion in our practice? In June 2021 the IAP2 USA Board of Directors took action to approve a Commitment to Equity. Since then, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee has been making strides to advance this commitment. These actions include:

• Submitted a response to the federal Office of Management and Budget on Methods and Leading Practices for Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through Government; 
• Submitted input to the Census Bureau on best practices for public engagement that promote equitable and inclusive participation; 
• Successfully incorporated IAP2 resources and methodologies into the U.S. Department of Transportation official guidance to funding recipients for meaningful public involvement;
• Created a video on IAP2 USA’s Commitment to Equity available to trainers and chapters;
• Developed a Religious and Cultural Observances Guide available to on the IAP2 USA website;
• Participated in review of IAP2 USA member survey questions and Debra Duerr Scholarship recipient applications to apply a DEI perspective; 
• Presented sessions on equity in public participation at conferences for the American Planning Association, International City/County Managers Association and IAP2 North America;
• Provided DEI-focused feedback on materials for the updated licensed curriculum to be rolled out in 2023.

In the coming year, the DEI Committee will continue to support IAP2 USA’s strategic plan by developing and applying an equity lens tool to programs such as trainer certification, supporting practitioners with more robust resources on the IAP2 USA website, and continually assessing and offering guidance on ways to diversify board leadership, membership and trainers.

We invite all members to join us on this journey of learning, discovery and deeper operationalization of diversity, equity and inclusion in our practice. Please consider volunteering for the DEI Committee, or submitting your thoughts to info@iap2usa.org.

2023 IAP2 USA Training Request for Proposals