US Forest Service, In House Training, Global Certificate in Public Participation

US Forest Service, In House Training, Global Certificate in Public Participation

Training Dates 

• Fundamentals: May 28 and 29 

• Designing: June 10-13 

• Methods: July 9-12th 

IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation

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:

#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)

Trainer: Kimberly Horndeski

Kimberly is a certified mediator, facilitator, and the Executive Director for Community Consulting LLC. Her work focuses on integrating policy and science to engage stakeholders, develop strategic plans, promote collaboration, and transform conflict into successful strategies for the future. She has led multiple state and national working groups to overcome challenges and reach consensus. Her projects include bottom-up approaches, such as working with nonprofits to develop effective strategies to engage elected officials in adopting initiatives, and top-down approaches, such as assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service throughout the nation to incorporate stakeholder values in the decision-making processes for federally-listed threatened and endangered species.