IAP2 USA January 2024 News

From the Executive Director  Erin Zimmermann

Happy 2024! I hope you all are settling into the New Year with perspective and energy. One of the things I am hoping to carry into 2024 is to “Maintain the Good.” It can be easy to get wrapped up in what to change, what to add, and what to do differently, both personally and professionally. Having a healthy connection to growth and continuous improvement is critical to IAP2 and to the field of public participation. That can be held in balance with all the good and positive impact that exists today. Making space for that balance will be one of my goals for the year. 

As I look ahead, there is so much to be excited about. We have a tremendous leadership team that is already bringing focus and passion to their work. We have a full training calendar and more trainings being planned. Our chapters are busy planning local activities including networking sessions, conferences, and workshops. We have a vibrant new Young Professionals Community of Practice that will be hosting Cups of Tea networking events, and we have plans to bring back the Skills Symposium (more details coming soon). As we keep moving forward together, I look forward to continuing to connect with members. Please drop me a line any time at erin@iap2usa.org

Erin Zimmermann, 

Executive Director

IAP2 USA

IAP2 USA Board of Directors Selects Leadership Team

The Board has identified and chosen an experienced and dedicated team of P2 professionals to guide the organization through the year. 

Welcome to IAP2 USA's 2024 Executive Leadership.  

President: Josh Stepherson with Stepherson & Associates Communications located in Seattle, Washington.

“My vision is to expand our reach and value for our membership and enhance the professional development opportunities for practitioners in the field. I want to make sure we continue to strengthen our financial position, establish a forward looking and achievable strategic plan and make a successful transition to staff.  I also want to continue to ensure a strong and sustainable position for the organization that continues to build and advocate for inclusive practices that bring diverse voices to the table, ensuring that our work truly reflects the communities and members we serve.  I am eager to bring my experience, passion, and commitment to this role, working collaboratively to usher in a new era of innovation and growth for IAP2.” 

Vice President: Lucero Arechiga with the City of Austin, Texas.

“My unwavering commitment to contributing to the board remains steadfast, as I continually seek ways to influence the language, goals, and deliverables that ultimately benefit everyone involved in the organization and beyond. I aspire to bring valuable insights, guidance, and support to not only achieve our current objectives but also to set new goals and benchmarks that can shape the future landscape of public participation practices.”

Treasurer: Claudia Bilotto with WSP USA Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“I bring continuity to the Executive Committee having served in the Vice President role for two years. As Treasurer, I can bring operational knowledge from my day-to-day job. I will endeavor to bring a strategic approach to our finances with an eye toward future year growth and revenue opportunities.”

Secretary: Danita Akendengue-Ogandaga with Burns & McDonnell in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“I would like to continue creating space for the culture being developed within this organization and our connection to the membership and international. I have a significant amount of learning to do about the history and depth of the leadership and processes, but I am committed to progress and improvement.”

You can contact any member of the leadership team through info@iap2usa.org.

IAP2 USA - 2023 Member Survey Results Are In

Once again, an IAP2 USA member survey was distributed to all members. Thank you to the many members who took the time to share their insights with us. Your participation helps make IAP2 USA better for members, IAP2 practitioners and their communities. The information provided is extremely valuable and will help drive our decision making.

First of all, we are thrilled to report that our overall member ratings are very good with 75% reporting satisfied or very satisfied with their IAP2 USA membership. 

Here are some highlights of the survey analysis.

  • Demographics
  • How long have you been in the public participation field
  • Training Preferences
  • Member Benefits
  • Skills Needed for the Future
  • Change Needed

IAP2 USA leadership can consider some of these suggestions as they make strategic decisions regarding the application of resources-financial and staff-in their budgeting and strategic planning. 

Thank you for your membership and participation. Do not hesitate to contact IAP2 staff or leadership with questions or suggestions at info@iap2usa.org

Full Report

Chapter News IAP2 Midwest Chapter Accepting Proposals for 2024 Conference

There is still time to submit a proposal to present at the IAP2 Midwest Chapter 2024 Conference. As a member of IAP2, your valuable public engagement insights and experiences can help bring people and communities together to work through issues that matter, which can spark a lasting connection to their community and neighbors. A discount for members and presenters will be offered.

Event Details:

Name: IAP2 Midwest Chapter 2024 Conference

Theme: Spark Connections That Matter

Date: April 17 – 19, 2024

Location: Thompson Center at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska

The IAP2 2024 Spring Conference aims to bring together seasoned and new thought leaders, professionals, and practitioners from the field of public engagement and related professions to foster collaboration, share best practices, and inspire innovation. We believe that the knowledge and skillsets of IAP2 members are crucial in advancing the field, and your participation would greatly enhance the overall quality and diversity of our conference.

If you consider submitting a proposal, we encourage you to think about designing a session that maximizes new connections among attendees and a variety of ways to connect communities across cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Ask yourself:

  • How can public participation contribute to overcoming isolation in a post-pandemic era?

  • How do you reach individuals and organizations that inspire, lead, and grow connections with the community?

We are seeking presentations that may showcase successful public engagement initiatives, highlight innovative methodologies, and/or address the challenges and opportunities in the realm of public participation. Whether you have insights on community-building strategies, effective communication techniques, or case studies illustrating successful outcomes, we encourage you to submit your proposals by January 31, 2024.

To learn more information, please visit our conference website at iap2usa.org/Midwest. You can submit a proposal by clicking this link. For additional questions, please contact me or Andy Wessel, andy.wessel@douglascounty-ne.gov or Edell Fiedler, fiedler_e@cityofelgin.org. who are on the organizing committee for the conference.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contribution to the success of IAP2 2024 Spring Conference in Omaha. Together, we can spark connections that matter.

IAP2 USA Young Professionals Cup of Tea Virtual Networking Event 

Our new Young Professional Community of Practice Network is hosting the first of many Cup of Tea Virtual Networking Events. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024  

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern)

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central)

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Mountain)

11:00 - 12:00 pm (Pacific)

These semi-regular Cup of Tea virtual gatherings are a great opportunity for young professionals to build community connections through establishing meaningful relationships with other young professionals. Join us for casual and fun conversation and connecting! 

We invite all young professionals to join us by signing up for our email list by filling out this from and registering for the event here

Anyone who self identifies as a Young Professional early in their public practitioner career or who is under the age of 35 is welcome!  These gatherings will offer community and support for participants and be a great way to empower the young professionals in Public Participation!

Register

IAP2 USA Seeks New Licensed Trainers

IAP2 USA is currently recruiting new Licensed Trainers. We celebrate diversity. We are passionate about building teams that reflect the communities we serve and are relentless about cultivating a culture that embodies inclusion and equity within our organization and in the P2/engagement practice.


We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and are very interested in  bringing in trainers from underrepresented communities. The IAP2 International Trainer Recruitment and Licensing Program prepares you to be licensed to deliver courses in the IAP2 Global Learning Pathway (GLP).

Apply Today

2024 Digital Discovery Workshop Series Bundle & Save by 2/28

Enhance your digital engagement skills for this changing world, with the highly popular Digital Discovery Series presented by IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA. This suite of valuable webinars features experienced practitioners and explores essential aspects of digital civic participation.

Whether you're looking to enhance your digital advertising strategies, engage more effectively across multiple platforms, understand the intricacies of AI, foster diversity in digital engagement, or decode complex data, our Digital Discovery Series has you covered. Join us to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape! 



Boost Your Impact: Digital Advertising Strategies for Public Participation

  • 28 February 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

Multi-Channel Engagement: Gathering Input across Multiple Digital Platforms
  • 27 March 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

AI Essentials: Tools and Policies for a Changing P2 Environment
  • 24 April 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

Inclusion and Digital Tools: Planning for Intersectionality in Online Engagement
  • 29 May 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

Decoding Open-Ended Input: Analysis Tools
  • 26 June 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

Bundle & Save

Take advantage of this special "five-pack": choose all five of the Digital Discovery Series workshops for $140.00 for IAP2 members, or $200 for non-members -- 5 workshops for the price of 4!

Register for all 5 here or for each session individually above. 

Register by 2/28


IAP2 USA's Professional Certification Become a Certified Public Participation Professional

We have chosen dates for the 2024 Certification Assessment Centers

August 23 & 24 - Application & Fee Due May 3

December 6 & 7 - Application & Fee Due September 6

Here is an outline of the Certification Process, but the full details can be found here

***Prerequisite: Completion of all three IAP2 flagship courses and receipt of the IAP2 Global Certificate of Completion in Public Participation. ***

  • Step One – Submission of the CP3 Application, professional portfolio, and application fee by the appropriate deadline for your chosen assessment center. 
  • Step Two – After your application is reviewed and accepted you will need to complete a Public Participation Plan in response to a case study
  • Step Three – After your case study assignment is reviewed and accepted you will need to prepare for and participate in an Assessment Center. (This is a full two-day process and attendance is mandatory)
More Info

Upcoming Webinar Free to Members

January 30th Learning Webinar - 2023 IAP2 USA Core Values Awards Winners Part 2

Join us on January 30th to learn more about two of the 2023 Core Values Awards winning teams. 

2:00 - 3:00 pm Eastern

1:00 - 2:00 pm Central

12:00 - 1:00 pm Mountain

11:00 - 12:00 pm Pacific

Core Values Creativity and Innovation Award: "Imagine Deliver"

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Imagine Deliver received the IAP2 USA Core Values Award in the Creativity and Innovation Category for their project Transforming the Future of Healthcare: The Art of Community Engagement & Strategy Design – Imagine Deliver, Arden Hills, Minnesota.

The project encompassed a nationally recognized, multi-billion-dollar safety-net healthcare system in Minneapolis, an acute care, teaching hospital, research center and the area’s only Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center which sought to create a more equitable and responsive healthcare system. Watch VideoRead SubmissionNews Release 

Organization of the Year Award: "City of Pittsburgh: Engage PGH"

City of Pittsburgh and Social Pinpoint

The City of Pittsburgh earned the IAP2 USA Core Values Award in the Organization of the Year Category for Engage PGH – City of Pittsburgh, PA. The entry also received an Honorable Mention for the category of 2023 International Organization of the Year.

As a city facing massive change, the Department of City Planning found that they were constantly asking big questions about the future of the city and that residents were having a challenging time engaging on these long-term, high-level questions. When discussing opportunities for change, residents and staff would feel anxious about asking the right questions and providing helpful answers. In a moment of self-reflection, it was decided that before they could ask the big questions, they first had to understand how to ask those questions. In this way, the impetus for this entire effort was a desire to find respectful, trust-building, insightful, equitable, and - maybe - fun ways of asking the question “What should the city look like in 20 years?” Watch Video, Read SubmissionNews Release

            Register

            Webinar Recordings - Available to Members Free On Demand

            All of our past webinars are available to members who are logged into iap2usa.org. Just click here and you will be prompted to login to the Webinar Archives.

            December 12 Learning Webinar - 2023 IAP2 USA Core Values Awards Winners - SFMTA

            IAP2 USA Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Core Values Award:

            "Honoring Cultural Diversity and Connecting Communities: San Francisco’s

            Central Subway "

            The Central Subway Project was conceived in the 1980’s to provide more transit service between two San Francisco neighborhoods, Bayview (in the southwestern section) and Chinatown (in the northeaster section) of the city. These two communities did not have adequate service to connect them to employment, entertainment and social activities. What’s even more striking is that these two neighborhoods are predominantly populated by people of color. 

            Public participation was critical as planning proceeded for the second phase of this program, known as Central Subway. With different neighborhoods at stake to be potential hosts for new stations, each with their own needs and concerns, it was critical to engage the community with respect, honesty, and collaboration.  Watch VideoRead Submission News Release.

            General Project Award

            "Reimagining Potrero Bus Yard"

            San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)

            San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) received the IAP2 USA Core Values Award in the General Projects Category for their project Reimagining Potrero Bus Yard.

            The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) manages all San Francisco’s ground transportation for the city. The SFMTA oversees the Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit system, as well as bicycling, paratransit, parking, traffic, walking and taxis. Pre-pandemic, its transit system, Muni, transported more than 700,000 people during a typical weekday. The SFMTA is committed to involving the people of San Francisco in the decisions that shape the city’s transportation system so that those who are affected by government decisions are informed and have an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. Watch VideoRead SubmissionNews Release

            If our current courses don't meet your needs please fill out this quick survey so we can help you become the P2 practitioner your community needs.

            Member/Project Spotlight

            If your organization has 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.


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