County of San Diego, Global Certificate in P2, 2026 Cohort 1

County of San Diego Global Certificate in Public Participation

**This training is for the COUNTY of San Diego employees ONLY**

IAP2 USA Licensed Trainer: Cathy Smith 

2026 Cohort #1, training dates (in-person): 

• • Fundamentals: March 17
  • Designing: March 26-27
  • Methods: April 16-17

Training and Course Details: 

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.

#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.

#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.