IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation

We are very excited to be launching the next evolution of training that builds on our foundational best practices. Our flagship Foundations training program has been updated and now consists of three core courses. Visit our training calendar to register for updated course offerings.

As a key leader in the public participation sector IAP2 USA provides skills-based learning to people and organizations on what they need to know and do, so that they can successfully develop, deliver, and lead authentic engagement processes.

IAP2 Certificate Program

IAP2 USA's Certificate in Public Participation (P2) consists of 3 core courses - Fundamentals of Public Participation, Designing Public Participation, and Applying Methods. Based on IAP2's internationally recognized Global Learning Pathway, this professional development certificate program builds on the foundations of public participation training and best practices from around the globe to provide participants with over 30 hours of effective training in public participation and engagement.

#1 Fundamentals of Public Participation

Prerequisite for Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods

The Fundamentals of Public Participation (P2) course is a prerequisite to other courses in the Global Learning Pathway that sets out the underpinning models and frameworks of engagement practice as defined by the IAP2 community.

The focus of this course is on understanding and applying the practices of meaningful and effective P2 and what participants need to know to do this well. The training explores best practices, and how to design and apply this knowledge to your P2.

Course objectives

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

    • Define P2 and related terms and what makes it unique
    • Identify what makes P2 meaningful, and reflect on the benefits, risks and myths related to P2
    • Identify the role that values play in P2 work, and the leadership attributes that will serve them in practice
    • Reflect on and apply ethical leadership actions and abilities to P2 situations
    • Apply the Profiles of P2 model to P2, and explore organization- and community-led engagement and how that impacts the engagement process
    • Reflect on and apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and explore the roles and impacts of power and influence
    • Apply the IAP2 Spectrum to P2 situations and practice
    • Explore the Practice Framework as a tool for effective planning and process, and assess the quality of the process

#2 Designing & Leading Public Participation

Designing Public Participation (P2) is a Level 2 course that introduces practitioners to the design and plan phases of the practice framework, providing them with the opportunity to develop P2 plans. This includes scoping, community mapping, determining purpose and objectives and levels of influence, choosing appropriate methods and managing resources, while considering the needs of diverse audiences. The course is suitable for practitioners who are leading the planning and implementation of P2 processes.

Course objectives:

1. For a real-world scenario, design an engagement process and plan that includes:

        • Develop a clear scope of the work, problem or opportunity with identified negotiables and non-negotiables
        • Conduct detailed stakeholder analysis, community mapping and equity analysis
        • Identify appropriate roles and levels of influence for key participants
        • Establish clear engagement purpose and objectives and success criteria/measures to suit scenario
        • Identify relevant profiles of engagement
        • Conduct a detailed risk/opportunities assessment
        • Identify key roles for senior leaders and decision makers

2. Explore principles and approaches for equity, diversity and inclusion, and apply them to stakeholder analysis

3. Embed digital strategies, platforms, tools and methods as part of the plan and process

4. Develop an evaluation framework to suit the scenario

5. Identify key roles and resources needed to implement the P2/engagement plan

6. Develop and apply a suitable presentation to senior leaders that will secure commitment and resources for the P2/engagement plan

7. Identify the many different contexts of engagement, including the elements present in more complex engagement scenarios

#3 Applying Methods for Public Participation 

Designing Public Participation is a prerequisite for this course

Applying Methods is a Level 2 course that introduces practitioners to a large number of P2 methods.

This includes learning how to design specific methods, developing good question design, and having an opportunity to practice running some methods.

The course is suitable for practitioners who are part of a team implementing a P2 process and are looking for the practical skills to be effective in designing and applying methods.

Course objectives:

1. Identify a range of methods that can be used for various engagement purposes and processes, and strategies to select the most appropriate method/s for an engagement project/process.

2. Research, design and test a F2F and/or online method using a range of tools and resources.

3. Apply the four steps of designing a method incorporating the eight key components of

method design.

4. Develop rational and experiential aims.

5. Design an appropriate format.

6. Design questions and process.

7. Develop appropriate communications.

8. Combine methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives and test for appropriate sequencing.

9. Incorporate inclusion and diversity principles

10. Identify data management needs, evaluation points and measures.

11. Identify resources required.

12. Explore a variety of both F2F and online methods/ techniques that are more structured and have nested methods within them (e.g., Deliberative

Processes, Appreciative Inquiry and Open Space Technology).

13. Analyze the specific requirements for online and digital methods, identify and select appropriate platforms and tools to meet needs and strategize to develop these methods for delivery.

14. Identify principles for monitoring online activity.

15. Test the design by running elements of the method and submitting to peer review using a checklist.

16. Apply methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives, including using effective communication skills, and test for appropriate sequencing.

17. Design key messages and communication tools that build trust and integrity, and meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Who should attend

The courses are suitable for new and emerging public participation practitioners or anyone involved in engagement projects in all levels of government, private industry, utilities, environmental agencies, community organizations, not-for-profit and education providers who would like to understand and deliver engagement in an USA context.

Upon completion

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from IAP2 for each course completed. Upon completing the three core courses, participants will receive a Certificate in Public Participation.

This professional development certificate program is a next step on your journey to becoming a P2 professional and separate from the IAP2 USA’s designations (CP3 & MCP3). It is important to note that participants of the Certificate in Public Participation are not certified P2 professionals. Learn more about how to become a certified P2 professional.

The benefits of IAP2 USA training:        

1. Practical knowledge and theory delivered in an inclusive training environment
2. Training is participatory and experiential, with lots of positive interaction between participants from a diverse range of backgrounds
3. Materials are contextualized for the unique needs and cultural context for U.S.A
4. All trainers are experienced trainers AND practitioners, able to reflect on current and real-world examples
5. Flexible learning pathways for participants ensuring that all training is relevant and applicable
6. Certificate in Public Participation is recognized as the standard for engagement professionals
7. All participants receive a quality training manual, with access to additional resources (where applicable)

    Upcoming IAP2 Certificate in P2 Courses

      • December 05, 2023
      • (EST)
      • December 06, 2023
      • (EST)
      • 2 sessions
      • Online with Trainer Cassie Hemphill
      • 0
      Join waitlist

       Fundamentals of Public Participation

      First course to be taken before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods

      The Fundamentals of Public Participation (P2) course is a prerequisite to other courses in the Global Learning Pathway that sets out the underpinning models and frameworks of engagement practice as defined by the IAP2 community.

      The focus of this course is on understanding and applying the practices of meaningful and effective P2 and what participants need to know to do this well. The training explores best practices, and how to design and apply this knowledge to your P2.

      Course objectives

      By the end of this course participants will be able to:

      • Define P2 and related terms and what makes it unique
      • Identify what makes P2 meaningful, and reflect on the benefits, risks and myths related to P2
      • Identify the role that values play in P2 work, and the leadership attributes that will serve them in practice 
      • Reflect on and apply ethical leadership actions and abilities to P2 situations
      • Apply the Profiles of P2 model to P2, and explore organization- and community-led engagement and how that impacts the engagement process
      • Reflect on and apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and explore the roles and impacts of power and influence
      • Apply the IAP2 Spectrum to P2 situations and practice
      • Explore the Practice Framework as a tool for effective planning and process, and assess the quality of the process

      Professional Certification/Credits

      THIS COURSE

      #1 Fundamentals of Public Participation (2 - 4 hour sessions CM I 8 CM) 

        December 5, 6, 2023      1 PM – 5 PM ET

        Members $275 --  Regular $325

        Last day to Register October 13, 2023

         — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

        **You must first complete this module before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods**

        ________________________________________________________________________

        NEXT COURSE

        #2 IAP2's Designing & Leading Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

          December 12-15, 2023       1 PM – 5 PM ET

          Members $550 -- Regular $650 


          FINAL COURSE

          #3 Applying Methods for Public Participation  (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

            January 2024    1 PM – 5 PM ET

            Members $550 -- Regular $650 

            Registration opens soon!

                    Regular $1,625  Members $1,375 

              Trainer: Cassie Hemphill 

              Cassie Hemphill has more than 25 years of experience in public participation and 15 years designing and delivering training. Her courses emphasize transferable, applied skills participants use to become more effective in their work and personal lives and improve the world around them. Cassie’s Ph.D. research explored public/private collaboration in environmental management. Her M.A. research analyzed decision-makers' openness to public input. She has a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and is an IAP2 USA Certified Public Participation Practitioner (CP3), a Certified Mediator (CM), and a Certified Virtual Facilitator (CVF).

              • December 12, 2023
              • (EST)
              • December 15, 2023
              • (EST)
              • 4 sessions
              • Online Via Zoom- Trainers: Craddock Stropes and Penny Mabie
              • 0
              Join waitlist

              **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation before this course**

              Four 4-hour sessions

              December 12- 15, 2023 
              1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern
              12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Central
              11:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Mountain

              10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.mPacific


              Designing & Leading Public Participation

              Designing & Leading Public Participation (P2) is a Level 2 course that introduces practitioners to the design and plan phases of the practice framework, providing them with the opportunity to develop P2 plans. This includes scoping, community mapping, determining purpose and objectives and levels of influence, choosing appropriate methods and managing resources, while considering the needs of diverse audiences. The course is suitable for practitioners who are leading the planning and implementation of P2 processes.

              Course objectives:

              1. For a real-world scenario, design an engagement process and plan that includes:

              • Develop a clear scope of the work, problem or opportunity with identified negotiables and non-negotiables
              • Conduct detailed stakeholder analysis, community mapping and equity analysis
              • Identify appropriate roles and levels of influence for key participants
              • Establish clear engagement purpose and objectives and success criteria/measures to suit scenario
              • Identify relevant profiles of engagement
              • Conduct a detailed risk/opportunities assessment
              • Identify key roles for senior leaders and decision makers

              2. Explore principles and approaches for equity, diversity and inclusion, and apply them to stakeholder analysis

              3. Embed digital strategies, platforms, tools and methods as part of the plan and process

              4. Develop an evaluation framework to suit the scenario

              5. Identify key roles and resources needed to implement the P2/engagement plan

              6. Develop and apply a suitable presentation to senior leaders that will secure commitment and resources for the P2/engagement plan

              7. Identify the many different contexts of engagement, including the elements present in more complex engagement scenarios

                Professional Certification/Credits

                THIS COURSE

                  #2 Designing & Leading Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 16 CM

                    December 12 - 15, 2023       1 PM – 5 PM ET

                    Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                    Last day to Register December 8, 2023

                    PLEASE NOTE: IAP2 USA members must be logged in to receive the member rate. International IAP2 members can contact info@iap2usa.org for a code to register. 

                     — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                    **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation before this course**

                    ________________________________________________________________________

                    PREREQUISITE COURSE

                    #1 Fundamentals of Public Participation (2 - 4 hour sessions CM I 8 CM) 

                      December 5 & 6, 2023        1 PM – 5 PM ET O

                      Members $275 --  Regular $325

                      Last day to Register: December 1, 2023 

                      REGISTER FOR FUNDAMENTALS

                      FINAL COURSE

                      #3 Applying Methods for Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 16 CM

                        January 2024      1 PM – 5 PM ET

                        Members $550 -- Regular $650 


                        Certificate Program - All Three Modules (10 - 4 hour Sessions) 

                              Regular $1,625  Members $1,375  


                        Trainers:

                        Penny Mabie has been licensed by IAP2 to deliver the Certificate Program since 2009. She has more than 20 years of experience in public involvement, facilitation, and training. As a public involvement consultant, Penny provides facilitation and public participation services to support environmental remediation decision processes, infrastructure siting and design, multi-jurisdictional task forces on flood control, recycling and transportation planning, and national climate change initiatives. She is also a roster member with the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.




                        Craddock Stropes (she/her) is a facilitator, trainer and coach with more than 25 years of experience in the local government and non-profit sectors. Her work centers on connecting people with ideas to create inclusive, strategic and tangible solutions that make everyday lives better. She is chair of the IAP2 USA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, a member of the American Public Works Association national DEI Committee and is active in the International Network of Asian Public Administrators. She has presented learning sessions on inclusion, public engagement and crisis communications for Connect, California Association for Public Information Officers, Public Relations Society of America, American Public Works Association and Transforming Local Government conferences. She is currently a senior management analyst for the City of Carlsbad.



                        • January 10, 2024
                        • (EST)
                        • January 11, 2024
                        • (EST)
                        • 2 sessions
                        • Online with Trainer Doug Zenn
                        • 20
                        Register

                         Fundamentals of Public Participation

                        First course to be taken before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods

                        The Fundamentals of Public Participation (P2) course is a prerequisite to other courses in the Global Learning Pathway that sets out the underpinning models and frameworks of engagement practice as defined by the IAP2 community.

                        The focus of this course is on understanding and applying the practices of meaningful and effective P2 and what participants need to know to do this well. The training explores best practices, and how to design and apply this knowledge to your P2.

                        Course objectives

                        By the end of this course participants will be able to:

                        • Define P2 and related terms and what makes it unique
                        • Identify what makes P2 meaningful, and reflect on the benefits, risks and myths related to P2
                        • Identify the role that values play in P2 work, and the leadership attributes that will serve them in practice 
                        • Reflect on and apply ethical leadership actions and abilities to P2 situations
                        • Apply the Profiles of P2 model to P2, and explore organization- and community-led engagement and how that impacts the engagement process
                        • Reflect on and apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and explore the roles and impacts of power and influence
                        • Apply the IAP2 Spectrum to P2 situations and practice
                        • Explore the Practice Framework as a tool for effective planning and process, and assess the quality of the process

                        Professional Certification/Credits

                        THIS COURSE

                        #1 Fundamentals of Public Participation (2 - 4 hour sessions CM I 8 CM) 

                          January 10 & 11, 2024     1 PM – 5 PM ET

                          Members $275 --  Regular $325

                          Last day to Register January 5, 2024

                           — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                          **You must first complete this module before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods**

                          ________________________________________________________________________

                          NEXT COURSE

                          #2 Designing & Leading Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

                            January 2024       1 PM – 5 PM ET

                            Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                            FINAL COURSE

                            #3 Applying Methods for Public Participation  (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

                              January 2024 - 1 PM – 5 PM ET

                              Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                              Registration open now

                              Certificate Program - All Three Modules (10 - 4 hour Sessions) 

                              Regular $1,625  Members $1,375 

                              Trainer: Doug Zenn

                              Doug has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement, awareness, and education efforts around numerous issues including visioning, transportation, water resources, community-based planning and more. Doug has led ZennAssociates’ development of the innovative “Three-Dimensional Public Participation” model (3DP2) an approach that expands community access to project information and provides unique avenues for community input including the use of new technologies. Doug also serves on the executive committee for IAP2’s Cascade Chapter (Oregon and Southwest Washington) and is a certified trainer for IAP2’s public involvement foundations courses. Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement.







                              • January 23, 2024
                              • (EST)
                              • January 26, 2024
                              • (EST)
                              • 4 sessions
                              • Online with Trainer Doug Zenn
                              • 20
                              Register

                              ***Fundamentals of Public Participation and Designing Public Participation are both prerequisites for this course

                              Completion of IAP2 Foundations in P2: Planning For Effective Public Participation prior to 2023 also counts as a prerequisite for this course***

                              IAP2's Applying Methods for Public Participation

                              Four 4-hour sessions

                              January 23, 24, 25 & 26, 2024
                              1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern
                              12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Central
                              11:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Mountain

                              10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.mPacific

                              Applying Methods is a Level 2 course that introduces practitioners to a large number of P2 methods. This includes learning how to design specific methods, developing good question design, and having an opportunity to practice running some methods.

                              The course is suitable for practitioners who are part of a team implementing a P2 process and are looking for the practical skills to be effective in designing and applying methods.

                              Course objectives:

                              1. Identify a range of methods that can be used for various engagement purposes and processes, and strategies to select the most appropriate method/s for an engagement project/process.

                              2. Research, design and test a F2F and/or online method using a range of tools and resources.

                              3. Apply the four steps of designing a method incorporating the eight key components of method design.

                              4. Develop rational and experiential aims.

                              5. Design an appropriate format.

                              6. Design questions and process.

                              7. Develop appropriate communications.

                              8. Combine methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives and test for appropriate sequencing.

                              9. Incorporate inclusion and diversity principles

                              10. Identify data management needs, evaluation points and measures.

                              11. Identify resources required.

                              12. Explore a variety of both F2F and online methods/ techniques that are more structured and have nested methods within them (e.g., Deliberative Processes, Appreciative Inquiry and Open Space Technology).

                              13. Analyze the specific requirements for online and digital methods, identify and select appropriate platforms and tools to meet needs and strategize to develop these methods for delivery.

                              14. Identify principles for monitoring online activity.

                              15. Test the design by running elements of the method and submitting to peer review using a checklist.

                              16. Apply methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives, including using effective communication skills, and test for appropriate sequencing.

                              17. Design key messages and communication tools that build trust and integrity, and meet the needs of diverse audiences.

                                Professional Certification/Credits

                                Applying Methods for Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 20 CM

                                  January 23 - 26, 2024       1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                  Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                                  Last day to Register November 10, 2023

                                  PLEASE NOTE: IAP2 USA members must be logged in to receive the member rate. International IAP2 members can contact info@iap2usa.org for a code to register. 

                                   — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                                  **You must first complete both Fundamentals of P2 and then Designing P2 before this course

                                  Completion of IAP2 Foundations in P2: Planning For Effective Public Participation prior to 2023 also counts as a prerequisite for this course**

                                  PREREQUISITE COURSES

                                  #1 Fundamentals of Public Participation (2 - 4 hour sessions CM I 8 CM

                                    January 10 & 11, 2024       1 PM – 5 PM ET OR 

                                    Members $275 --  Regular $325

                                    #2 Designing & Leading Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 16 CM

                                      January 6 - 9, 2024       1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                      Members $550 -- Regular $650

                                      Certificate Program - All Three Modules (10 - 4 hour Sessions) 
                                                Regular $1,625  Members $1,375 

                                      Trainer: Doug Zenn

                                      Doug has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement, awareness, and education efforts around numerous issues including visioning, transportation, water resources, community-based planning and more. Doug has led ZennAssociates’ development of the innovative “Three-Dimensional Public Participation” model (3DP2) an approach that expands community access to project information and provides unique avenues for community input including the use of new technologies. Doug also serves on the executive committee for IAP2’s Cascade Chapter (Oregon and Southwest Washington) and is a certified trainer for IAP2’s public involvement foundations courses. Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement.

                                      • January 30, 2024
                                      • (EST)
                                      • January 31, 2024
                                      • (EST)
                                      • 2 sessions
                                      • Online with Trainer Justin Schneider
                                      • 19
                                      Register

                                       Fundamentals of Public Participation

                                      First course to be taken before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods

                                      The Fundamentals of Public Participation (P2) course is a prerequisite to other courses in the Global Learning Pathway that sets out the underpinning models and frameworks of engagement practice as defined by the IAP2 community.

                                      The focus of this course is on understanding and applying the practices of meaningful and effective P2 and what participants need to know to do this well. The training explores best practices, and how to design and apply this knowledge to your P2.

                                      Course objectives

                                      By the end of this course participants will be able to:

                                      • Define P2 and related terms and what makes it unique
                                      • Identify what makes P2 meaningful, and reflect on the benefits, risks and myths related to P2
                                      • Identify the role that values play in P2 work, and the leadership attributes that will serve them in practice 
                                      • Reflect on and apply ethical leadership actions and abilities to P2 situations
                                      • Apply the Profiles of P2 model to P2, and explore organization- and community-led engagement and how that impacts the engagement process
                                      • Reflect on and apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and explore the roles and impacts of power and influence
                                      • Apply the IAP2 Spectrum to P2 situations and practice
                                      • Explore the Practice Framework as a tool for effective planning and process, and assess the quality of the process

                                      Professional Certification/Credits

                                      THIS COURSE

                                      #1 Fundamentals of Public Participation (2 - 4 hour sessions CM I 8 CM) 

                                        January 30 & 31, 2024     1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                        Members $275 --  Regular $325

                                        Last day to Register January 5, 2024

                                         — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                                        **You must first complete this module before Designing Public Participation and Applying Methods**

                                        ________________________________________________________________________

                                        NEXT COURSE

                                        #2 Designing & Leading Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

                                          January 2024       1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                          Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                                          FINAL COURSE

                                          #3 Applying Methods for Public Participation  (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM

                                            January 2024 - 1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                            Members $550 -- Regular $650 

                                            Registration open now

                                            Certificate Program - All Three Modules (10 - 4 hour Sessions) 

                                            Regular $1,625  Members $1,375 

                                            Trainer: