Understanding Conflict in Public Participation - Hosted by IAP2 USA

IAP2 Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

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

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.

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

Professional Certification/Credits

• This course is required for IAP2 Professional Certification.
• This course is eligible for APA - AICP Continuing Education Credit CM I 20 CM

 — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

Trainer: Cathy Smith

Cathy’s work in the inter-related fields associated with climate change—land use, transportation, water, energy, health—brings depth of knowledge and understanding of current engagement needs. As a past community mediator and practicing writer and storyteller, her engagement insights span from conflict management to communications. She’s one of 15 Certified Public Participation Practitioners in the country, a graduate of USD’s School of Law, and IAP2USA’s Past President.