IAP2 Flagship Courses

Foundations in Public Participation

The IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation Program is a 5-day program intended to provide a broad-based learning experience covering all of the foundations of public participation. Developed in consultation with practitioners from around the world, the training provides useful tools for designing and implementing effective public participation programs.

Who should take the Foundations course?
Foundations in Public Participation is right for anyone working or involved in public participation and community engagement projects in:

    • Local Government—local, state, and federal government units, and regional agencies
    • K12 school districts, colleges and universities
    • Corporations, especially those with infrastructure projects, for example transportation and utilities
    • Public engagement practitioners, from outreach coordinators to independent consultants
    • Federal agencies with public engagement guidelines, for example environmental agencies, and
    • Nonprofits and community organizations seeking to fully engage their stakeholders                 Course Brochure

Upcoming Foundations Training

  • Foundations in Public Participation - ONLINE from The Participation Company

    • June 06, 2022
    • (EDT)
    • June 16, 2022
    • (EDT)
    • 9 sessions
    • ONLINE


    9-Day online course

    June 6 - 16, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

    Foundations in Public Participation – The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and TPC are pleased to announce that we are ready to offer the International Association for Public Participation’s flagship Foundations Program ONLINE

    Two modules, each focusing on one of the two major phases of public communication and participation – Planning and Techniques – offered virtually over nine (9) 4 Hour Days in partnership with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

    Module One introduces a proven method for planning effective public participation and Module Two equips students with 40+ diverse methods for accomplishing engagement objectives. Both courses are delivered in half-day sessions full of interactive exercises and opportunities to get to work with your fellow students virtually. Class size, as always, is limited to 20 students to provide the maximum opportunity to learn.

    Presenters: The Participation Company 

    • Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

         June 6 - 10, 2022 12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

    Regular $960 -- Early Bird $870 -- Members $870

    • Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

          June 13 - 16,2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

          Regular $640 -- Early Bird $ 580 -- Members $580

    • Full Foundations Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions CM I 30 CM)  

          Regular $1,600 -- Early Bird $1,450 -- Members $1,450  

    Early Bird Registration Deadline: 5/9/2022
    Last Day to Register: 5/16/2022

    Register with The Participation Company

    The Participation Company offers discounts to members of IAP2 USA, AICP, ICMA and NCDD. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this training.

    Questions? Email Jennifer Armstrong for more information.

    Show details

  • IAP2 Foundations in P2: Planning For Effective Public Participation

    • August 08, 2022
    • (EDT)
    • August 16, 2022
    • (EDT)
    • 5 sessions
    • Online
    • 19
    Register

    The International Association for Public Participation developed this program to meet the needs of practitioners conducting public involvement and community engagement in a changing world. Both new and experienced practitioners and managers benefit from the structure, proven techniques, and knowledge that you’ll learn in this interactive training course. The Planning Course introduces foundational information that has stood the test of time and the Techniques Course introduces 39 different techniques for accomplishing desired objectives. Upon completion of both modules, you will receive a certificate of completion from IAP2.

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this course participants will:

    • Define public participation and explain the rationale behind it
    • Explain the three foundations of effective public participation
    • List the five steps in the planning process
    • Discuss how to plan p2 objectives that can be integrated into an agency’s decision-making process
    • Explain how communication objectives support effective public participation
    • Choose from various p2 techniques to support accomplishment of p2 objectives.
      • Evaluate their use of varying public participation techniques

          Professional Certification/Credits

          This course is required for IAP2 Professional Certification.
          Eligible for APA - AICP Continuing Education Credit CM I 18 CM

          Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

            August 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 2022        1 PM – 5 PM ET

            Members $750 -- Regular $900 

            $25 Early registration discount before July 1,  2022

            Last day to Register July 29, 2022

            PLEASE NOTE: IAP2 USA members must be logged in to receive the member rate. International IAP2 members can contact info@iap2usa.org for a code to register. 

             — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

            **This course is a prerequisite for the subsequent module, Techniques for Effective Public Participation.**

            ________________________________________________________________________

            Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

              November 14 - 17, 2022        1 PM – 5 PM ET

              Members $500 --  Regular $600

              Certificate Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions) 

                      Regular $1,500  Members $1,250  


                    Trainer:

                    Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement, awareness, and education efforts around numerous issues including visioning, transportation, water resources, community-based planning and more. Doug has led ZennAssociates’ development of the innovative “Three-Dimensional Public Participation” model (3DP2) an approach that expands community access to project information and provides unique avenues for community input including the use of new technologies. Doug also serves on the executive committee for IAP2’s Cascade Chapter (Oregon and Southwest Washington) and is a certified trainer for IAP2’s public involvement foundations courses. Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement.

                    Show details

                  • Foundations in Public Participation - ONLINE from The Participation Company

                    • September 26, 2022
                    • (EDT)
                    • October 06, 2022
                    • (EDT)
                    • 9 sessions
                    • ONLINE


                    9-Day online course

                    September 26 - October 6, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                    Foundations in Public Participation – The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and TPC are pleased to announce that we are ready to offer the International Association for Public Participation’s flagship Foundations Program ONLINE

                    Two modules, each focusing on one of the two major phases of public communication and participation – Planning and Techniques – offered virtually over nine (9) 4 Hour Days in partnership with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

                    Module One introduces a proven method for planning effective public participation and Module Two equips students with 40+ diverse methods for accomplishing engagement objectives. Both courses are delivered in half-day sessions full of interactive exercises and opportunities to get to work with your fellow students virtually. Class size, as always, is limited to 20 students to provide the maximum opportunity to learn.

                    Presenters: The Participation Company 

                    • Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

                         September 26 - 30, 2022 12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                    Regular $960 -- Early Bird $870 -- Members $870

                    • Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

                          October 3 - 6 ,2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                          Regular $640 -- Early Bird $ 580 -- Members $580

                    • Full Foundations Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions CM I 30 CM)  

                          Regular $1,600 -- Early Bird $1,450 -- Members $1,450  

                    Early Bird Registration Deadline: 8/29/2022
                    Last Day to Register: 9/6/2022

                    Register with The Participation Company

                    The Participation Company offers discounts to members of IAP2 USA, AICP, ICMA and NCDD. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this training.

                    Questions? Email Jennifer Armstrong for more information.

                    Show details

                  • Foundations in Public Participation - ONLINE from The Participation Company

                    • October 31, 2022
                    • (EDT)
                    • November 10, 2022
                    • (EST)
                    • 9 sessions
                    • ONLINE


                    9-Day online course

                    October 31 - November 10, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                    Foundations in Public Participation – The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and TPC are pleased to announce that we are ready to offer the International Association for Public Participation’s flagship Foundations Program ONLINE

                    Two modules, each focusing on one of the two major phases of public communication and participation – Planning and Techniques – offered virtually over nine (9) 4 Hour Days in partnership with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

                    Module One introduces a proven method for planning effective public participation and Module Two equips students with 40+ diverse methods for accomplishing engagement objectives. Both courses are delivered in half-day sessions full of interactive exercises and opportunities to get to work with your fellow students virtually. Class size, as always, is limited to 20 students to provide the maximum opportunity to learn.

                    Presenters: The Participation Company 

                    • Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

                         October 31 - November 4, 2022 12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                    Regular $960 -- Early Bird $870 -- Members $870

                    • Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

                          November 7 - 10, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                          Regular $640 -- Early Bird $ 580 -- Members $580

                    • Full Foundations Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions CM I 30 CM)  

                          Regular $1,600 -- Early Bird $1,450 -- Members $1,450  

                    Early Bird Registration Deadline: 10/3/2022
                    Last Day to Register: 10/10/2022

                    Register with The Participation Company

                    The Participation Company offers discounts to members of IAP2 USA, AICP, ICMA and NCDD. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this training.

                    Questions? Email Jennifer Armstrong for more information.

                    Show details

                  • IAP2 Foundations in P2: Planning For Effective Public Participation

                    • November 07, 2022
                    • (EST)
                    • November 11, 2022
                    • (EST)
                    • 5 sessions
                    • Online
                    • 20
                    Register

                    The International Association for Public Participation developed this program to meet the needs of practitioners conducting public involvement and community engagement in a changing world. Both new and experienced practitioners and managers benefit from the structure, proven techniques, and knowledge that you’ll learn in this interactive training course. The Planning Course introduces foundational information that has stood the test of time and the Techniques Course introduces 39 different techniques for accomplishing desired objectives. Upon completion of both modules, you will receive a certificate of completion from IAP2.

                    Learning Objectives

                    At the end of this course participants will:

                    • Define public participation and explain the rationale behind it
                    • Explain the three foundations of effective public participation
                    • List the five steps in the planning process
                    • Discuss how to plan p2 objectives that can be integrated into an agency’s decision-making process
                    • Explain how communication objectives support effective public participation
                    • Choose from various p2 techniques to support accomplishment of p2 objectives.
                      • Evaluate their use of varying public participation techniques

                          Professional Certification/Credits

                          This course is required for IAP2 Professional Certification.
                          Eligible for APA - AICP Continuing Education Credit CM I 18 CM

                          Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

                            November 7 - 11, 2022        1 PM – 5 PM ET

                            Members $750 -- Regular $900 

                            $25 Early registration discount before September 30,  2022

                            Last day to Register October 28, 2022

                            PLEASE NOTE: IAP2 USA members must be logged in to receive the member rate. International IAP2 members can contact info@iap2usa.org for a code to register. 

                             — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                            **This course is a prerequisite for the subsequent module, Techniques for Effective Public Participation.**

                            ________________________________________________________________________

                            Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

                              November 14 - 17, 2022        1 PM – 5 PM ET

                              Members $500 --  Regular $600

                              Certificate Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions) 

                                      Regular $1,500  Members $1,250  


                                    Trainer:

                                    Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement, awareness, and education efforts around numerous issues including visioning, transportation, water resources, community-based planning and more. Doug has led ZennAssociates’ development of the innovative “Three-Dimensional Public Participation” model (3DP2) an approach that expands community access to project information and provides unique avenues for community input including the use of new technologies. Doug also serves on the executive committee for IAP2’s Cascade Chapter (Oregon and Southwest Washington) and is a certified trainer for IAP2’s public involvement foundations courses. Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement.

                                    Show details

                                  • IAP2 Foundations in P2: Techniques For Effective Public Participation

                                    • November 14, 2022
                                    • (EST)
                                    • November 17, 2022
                                    • (EST)
                                    • 4 sessions
                                    • Online
                                    • 20
                                    Register

                                    Once you have completed the planning course, you are ready to add dozens of practical tools and methodologies to your public participation toolkit—powerful techniques you can put to immediate use in your next project. This module breaks down specific methods, exploring not only what each is, but how and when to use it – the strengths, weaknesses and needed resources. The course combines discussion, presentation, exercises and practice using varying techniques to give you a full understanding of the range of techniques and how to choose, modify and evaluate techniques for the most effective public participation.

                                    Learning Objectives

                                    At the end of this course participants will:

                                    • Understand key characteristics of a wide variety of traditional and emerging techniques and technologies
                                    • Assess and select techniques to meet identified public participation objectives
                                    • Modify and combine techniques to meet various objectives and circumstances
                                    • Determine the skills and resources needed to use different techniques effectively
                                    • Evaluate their use of varying public participation techniques

                                    Professional Certification/Credits

                                    Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

                                      November 14 - 17, 2022        1 PM – 5 PM ET

                                      Members $500 --  Regular $600

                                      $25 Early registration discount before September 30,  2022

                                      Last day to Register October 28, 2022

                                      PLEASE NOTE: IAP2 USA members must be logged in to receive the member rate. International IAP2 members can contact info@iap2usa.org for a code to register. 

                                       — Cancellation and Substitution policy —

                                      **You must first complete the subsequent module, Techniques for Effective Public Participation.**

                                      ________________________________________________________________________

                                      Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

                                        November 7 - 11 2022 

                                        Members $750 -- Regular $900 

                                        Certificate Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions) 

                                                Regular $1,500  Members $1,250  

                                          Trainer:

                                          Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement, awareness, and education efforts around numerous issues including visioning, transportation, water resources, community-based planning and more. Doug has led ZennAssociates’ development of the innovative “Three-Dimensional Public Participation” model (3DP2) an approach that expands community access to project information and provides unique avenues for community input including the use of new technologies. Doug also serves on the executive committee for IAP2’s Cascade Chapter (Oregon and Southwest Washington) and is a certified trainer for IAP2’s public involvement foundations courses. Doug Zenn has 30 years of experience in the communications field and has developed and managed community involvement.

                                          Show details

                                        • Foundations in Public Participation - ONLINE from The Participation Company

                                          • December 05, 2022
                                          • (EST)
                                          • December 15, 2022
                                          • (EST)
                                          • 9 sessions
                                          • ONLINE


                                          9-Day online course

                                          December 5 - 15, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                                          Foundations in Public Participation – The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and TPC are pleased to announce that we are ready to offer the International Association for Public Participation’s flagship Foundations Program ONLINE

                                          Two modules, each focusing on one of the two major phases of public communication and participation – Planning and Techniques – offered virtually over nine (9) 4 Hour Days in partnership with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

                                          Module One introduces a proven method for planning effective public participation and Module Two equips students with 40+ diverse methods for accomplishing engagement objectives. Both courses are delivered in half-day sessions full of interactive exercises and opportunities to get to work with your fellow students virtually. Class size, as always, is limited to 20 students to provide the maximum opportunity to learn.

                                          Presenters: The Participation Company 

                                          • Planning for Effective Public Participation (5 - 4 hour sessions CM I 18 CM) 

                                               December 5 - 9, 2022 12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                                          Regular $960 -- Early Bird $870 -- Members $870

                                          • Techniques for Effective Public Participation (4 - 4 hour sessions CM I 12 CM) 

                                                December 12 - 15, 2022   12:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

                                                Regular $640 -- Early Bird $ 580 -- Members $580

                                          • Full Foundations Program - Both Modules (9- 4 hour Sessions CM I 30 CM)  

                                                Regular $1,600 -- Early Bird $1,450 -- Members $1,450  

                                          Early Bird Registration Deadline: 11//7/2022
                                          Last Day to Register: 11/14/2022

                                          Register with The Participation Company

                                          The Participation Company offers discounts to members of IAP2 USA, AICP, ICMA and NCDD. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this training.

                                          Questions? Email Jennifer Armstrong for more information.

                                          Show details

                                        IAP2's Public Participation for Decision Makers

                                        Do you make decisions affecting the public? Do you consult with the public as you make your decisions? Are you sometimes reluctant to include them in the conversation?

                                        IAP2’s Public Participation for Decision Makers is a three-hour session designed to show you how your decisions are so much better for consulting with the public -- the people affected by the decision. 

                                        Who should take this course: 

                                          • Politicians
                                          • Senior Executives and Management
                                          • Project Managers
                                          • Engineers
                                          • Planners
                                          • Non-profit organizations

                                        Who should not take this course:

                                        You’ll learn:

                                          • the foundations of Public Participation (P2)
                                          • how P2 can be integrated into the overall project plan
                                          • the costs and benefits of a P2 process and how to get the best value
                                          • the importance of both the decision to be made and the promise to the public about what their involvement means in making that decision
                                          • when to involve the public in an organizational decision -- and when not to.

                                        IAP2’s Public Participation for Decision Makers helps decision makers get the best value from a public process. The session looks at the Foundations from a decision maker’s point of view and offers a perspective on how public participation can be integrated into the overall project plan. It examines the costs and benefits of public participation, discusses when and when not to involve the public in an organizational decision, and emphasizes the importance of both the decision being made and the promise to the public about their involvement in that decision process. Finally, the session provides an overview of what the decision maker should know about the public participation practitioner’s role.

                                        • No upcoming events

                                        Strategies for Dealing with Opposition & Outrage in Public Participation

                                        In these challenging times of environmental, health, cultural, economic and social changes this is a course that will enhance your practice, support your clients and equip you to think about and learn how to apply behaviours that will enhance quality public participation outcomes where communities are emotional or outraged and therefore not yet at the place where they can fully participate in a public engagement process. This course will help you plan for those type of circumstances.

                                        The use of case studies and video clips throughout the two days will demonstrate:

                                            • Six practical strategies for managing outrage
                                            • New behaviors that you can apply immediately
                                            • A new way of thinking and analyzing outrage
                                            • New ways to plan and implement public participation projects where people are outraged

                                        Who should take the EOP2 course?
                                        This two-day course is designed for any practitioner dealing with the tough issues facing our communities now and in the future. Anyone in communities facing complex challenges - from outreach coordinators to consultants and elected officials - would benefit by learning meaningful best practices to assess and address outrage in your P2. 

                                        This course brings together the collective knowledge and experience of outrage management as taught by Dr. Peter Sandman and public participation as practiced by IAP2. The course is highly interactive and uses a range of adult education methods including using case studies, video clips of Peter, tools and techniques used in public participation, times for personal reflection, group discussion and application of strategies. Participants receive a learning journal to record their reflections and insights and to note what is important for their work. Prior completion of Foundations in Public Participation is recommended but not required.


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