2019 IAP2 North American Conference: WORKSHOP - "Public Participation for Decision Makers"

Workshop Objectives

• What is public participation?
• Why involve the public?
• What are the risks, benefits and costs of involving the public in decisions that affect them?

IAP2’s “Public Participation for Decision Makers” course introduces managers, students, and new practitioners to the principles of effective public participation. You’ll learn when and how public participation can be integrated into the overall project plan. You’ll learn about the unique role of practitioners In this field. You’ll also learn when not to use public participation.

Learning Objectives

Participants in this course will learn:

• How public participation ties into your decision-making
• When and why to have the public participate in your decisions (and when not to)
• The decision-maker’s unique role and commitment
• Key concepts that must be considered when involving others.

Who should take this course?

Anyone involved in any aspect of community engagement, and anyone involved with decision making in some way. It is ideal for people working at all levels of government, in private practice, or in non- governmental or civil society organizations. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in communication studies, planning, and public administration will gain new insights. Elected officials also benefit from attending this course.