2024 SKILLS SYMPOSIUM: IAP2's Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

IAP2's Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

The aim of Understanding Conflict in P2/engagement is to help you understand, and more effectively manage, conflict dynamics. The focus of this Level 1 course will be on developing the skills of participants to identify and mitigate situations of tension and conflict within their P2/engagement work.

**You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation or the previous Foundations Training to take this course**

Course Objectives:

• Understand the sources, types and factors that contribute to conflict in P2/engagement and the impact they may have on the process

• Understand the role of power and influence in engagement practice

• Understand and identify the cycle of escalation, and the behaviors, attitudes and actions that are evident as conflict increases

• Contribute to and/or apply strategies to de-escalate challenging situations

• Identify how to build effective relationships and partnerships through empathy, active listening, respect and trust

• Learn approaches to work in challenging situations applying behaviors that build trust and credibility

• Consider the role of integrity and ethics in the conduct of the P2/engagement practitioner, and how that is upheld in the process

Trainer: Cassie Hemphill 

Cassie Hemphill has more than 25 years of experience in designing and leading public participation and engagement processes and projects. Her work has included environmental and natural resource management, healthcare delivery, education, and community-based human services. She has been creating and delivering remote and in-person training experiences for professionals and community members for more than 15 years. 

Cassie has been involved with IAP2 since 2003. She helped create IAP2 USA’s Professional Certification program, assisted with updates and development of IAP2’s course materials, and has served on the USA and Intermountain Chapter boards. She currently serves as an IAP2 Licensing Programme Mentor, preparing candidates from around the world to become IAP2 Licensed Trainers.

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).