My experience in leadership, marketing, partnership and advocacy spans sectors and I think these types of partnerships will be an asset. My vision for IAP2 USA is to establish the organization as a universal standard in community engagement, with its principles deeply integrated into both corporate and governmental decision-making processes. 

To achieve this, I propose a strategic approach that includes building organic national media coverage that showcases IAP2's impact. In a past role as a CBO, I was able to secure unpaid coverage in over 200 publications and I’d like to bring this to IAP2. Additionally, I aim to explore diverse revenue streams to fuel membership growth, expand resources, and enrich our service offerings. 

Lastly, I envision IAP2 leading discussions at a national level on inclusivity, equity and public engagement that informs legislation that helps to ensure that all voices are heard.

My vision for the future of public participation would include Inclusivity - ensuring that all voices are heard and valued by creating accessible and diverse platforms for engagement that cater to different needs and preferences. Empowerment - active in decision-making processes that affect us and our livelihood, which can be done through education and resources to help ones understand complex issues and how each of us can make a difference. Transparency – clearly communicate how public input is used and the impact it has on final decisions.  

This can be done by developing and promoting best practices for public participation, ensuring processes are inclusive, facilitating meaningful public engagement, advocacy and awareness by advocating for policies that support public participation at all levels of government, raising awareness of the importance of public participation, establishing metrics to measure the effectiveness and impact of public participation initiatives and a continuous improvement culture.

Leah LaRue

Director, Neighborhood Planning Units

City of Atlanta, Department of City Planning

Georgia

My vision for the future of public participation in the United States is one of inclusivity, accessibility, transparency, and empowerment, and in my vision, it starts with youth education. I envision educational systems to prioritizing civic education, teaching the importance of public participation from a young age and stoking a passion in young people for using their power to effect change in their local communities and beyond. 

I value diversity and representation, so I envision a nation where every voice is invited, heard and valued, and where everyone has an opportunity to participate. This would involve leveraging technology and other resources to create more accessible platforms for civic engagement, ensuring that public meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes are transparent and equitably accessible. I believe IAP2 can advocate for more civic education in educational systems and publish position statements, encouraging government agencies to adopt the three pillars for effective public participation. 

Nicole Marron

Principal

Project Engagement, National Grid

New York

Public participation will be crucial for the United States as we move forward and advance equity in the nation. Today, public participation is very rooted in governments: municipalities, agencies, etc. Going forward, I believe that more organizations (e.g., utilities, non-profits, private developers, etc.) would benefit from a public participation approach to meet their goals and establish public trust.

IAP2 USA could be a vital partner in expanding P2 into these organizations. By establishing strategic partnerships, relaunching the Ambassador Program, and continuing to promote itself as the authority for the practice through training, research, etc., IAP2 USA can support the expansion of P2. 

My vision for the future of public participation in the United States involves a comprehensive integration of public engagement principles into educational curricula at both the school and college levels. Public participation is a concept that many people are familiar with in theory, as it is often mentioned in discussions about governance and community involvement. However, despite its frequent mention, the practice of public engagement is not uniformly respected or fully understood across different regions and sectors. This gap in understanding limits the effectiveness of public participation in decision-making processes.

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) can play a pivotal role in transforming the knowledge and perception of public engagement by spearheading efforts to develop and implement educational programs. By identifying and creating new pathways to educate the public, IAP2 can help instill a deeper appreciation for the importance of public involvement. This could include developing specialized courses, workshops, and training programs that emphasize the value and impact of effective public participation. Through these efforts, public engagement can become a respected and integral part of societal development, ultimately leading to more informed and active citizen involvement in governance and community affairs.

Josh Stepherson,

Current IAP2 USA President

Principal, Stepherson & Associates Communications, Inc.

Washington

My vision for public participation in the U.S. is a future where it is highly inclusive, collaborative and integral to decision-making at all levels. I see IAP2 USA as pivotal in realizing this vision by establishing a national member network that is educating stakeholders, advocating for supportive policies, and fostering equitable, innovative and collaborative approaches that bring people together.

These efforts will ensure that public engagement matters and is effective, accessible, and respected across diverse communities. By championing these changes, IAP2 USA can transform public participation into a cornerstone of democratic governance, where every voice is heard and valued.

 I see the future of public participation in the United States as dynamic, inclusive, and transformative. It ensures universal access, proactive outreach, transparency, accountability and innovative engagement methods. Digital platforms, participatory tools, and comprehensive civic education will promote empowered engagement, outreach and education.

IAP2 USA will be on the leading edge of dynamic engagement by setting standards, advocating for inclusive policies and building capacity through training and resources. It will pioneer innovative practices, facilitate collaborative initiatives, and foster nationwide -and localized- networks. By developing equity frameworks and supporting marginalized communities, IAP2 USA ensures that public participation is accessible and impactful for everyone.