IAP2 congratulates the successful licensing in the Global Learning Pathway (GLP) Prerequisite courses and welcomes Robin A. Chang from Germany to the IAP2 community of trainers.

Robin A. Chang

Robin is a community-engaged scholar, urbanist, and facilitator working at the intersection of spatial planning, adaptive (re-)use, housing, and public participation in Europe and Canada. Her work focuses on participatory planning, community engagement, and co-creative methods for addressing complex urban and social challenges.

Robin currently serves as Co-Leader of the Working Group on Community Involvement and Capacity Building within the EU-funded COST Action Go2CHANGE (Global Network on Cultural Heritage Conservation under Climate Change). She is also a Research Associate at RWTH Aachen University in Germany and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Community Housing Canada at the University of Alberta. Her professional foundation builds on land use and community planning practice in Canada, combined with planning and development research in Germany and the Netherlands.

Over the past decade, Robin has designed and delivered interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning and engagement experiences in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Her approach combines academic rigor with interactive, experiential, and community-based learning methods that encourage dialogue, collaboration, and critical reflection.

Robin is passionate about creating inclusive and reflective engagement spaces that help communities navigate uncertainty, climate change, and urban transformation together. She works internationally and speaks English and German, with additional proficiency in French and Mandarin Chinese.

Robin A. Chang ist eine Wissenschaftlerin, Planerin und Ermöglicherin, die an der Schnittstelle von räumlicher Planung, adaptiver (Um-)Nutzung, Wohnen und Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung in Europa und Kanada arbeitet. Ihre Arbeit konzentriert sich auf partizipative Planung, Community Engagement sowie ko-kreative Methoden zur Bewältigung komplexer urbaner und gesellschaftlicher Herausforderungen.

Derzeit ist Robin Co-Leiterin der Working Group on Community Involvement and Capacity Building innerhalb des EU-geförderten Netzwerks „COST Action Go2CHANGE“ (Global Network on Cultural Heritage Conservation under Climate Change). Darüber hinaus ist sie wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der RWTH Aachen sowie Postdoctoral Research Fellow bei Community Housing Canada an der University of Alberta. Ihre berufliche Grundlage baut auf praktischer Erfahrung in der Flächennutzungs- und Gemeindeplanung in Kanada sowie auf Forschungsarbeiten zu Planung und Stadtentwicklung in Deutschland und den Niederlanden auf.

In den vergangenen zehn Jahren hat Robin inter- und transdisziplinäre Lern- und Beteiligungsformate in Deutschland, Kanada, dem Vereinigten Königreich und Polen konzipiert und durchgeführt. Ihr Ansatz verbindet wissenschaftliche Genauigkeit mit interaktiven, erfahrungsorientierten und gemeinschaftsbasierten Lernmethoden, die Dialog, Zusammenarbeit und kritische Reflexion fördern.

IAP2 congratulates the successful licensing in the Global Learning Pathway (GLP) Prerequisite courses and welcomes Patricia Gyan-Bassaw from Ghana to the IAP2 community of trainers.

Patricia Gyan-Bassaw

Patricia is a seasoned Development Practitioner with nearly twenty years of experience in fostering inclusive and participatory processes across Ghana. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Development Studies and Management, she specializes in facilitating respectful engagement between communities, government actors, and private sector stakeholders. Her work ensures that development projects remain responsive to community realities while successfully achieving strategic programme objectives in areas such as food security, climate-smart agriculture, and gender-transformative programming.

Beyond her technical expertise in stakeholder engagement and participatory research, she is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and social accountability. She has a proven track record of strengthening trust and mutual understanding between implementing partners and local authorities. Furthermore, Patricia extends her impact by serving on the boards of community-based organizations committed to sustainable development and the elevation of community perspectives in decision-making processes.

Ernest has served the non-profit sector in Hong Kong for more than 10 years. From searching for the modern significance of cultural traditions as heritage educator, to giving a voice to children as child's right advocate, Ernest has always been keen to invite a broader understanding of possibilities amongst diverse realities, capabilities and experiences.  

As a public participation practitioner, the majority of Ernest's experience has been facilitating adults to work with children and youth, building genuine connections and trusting relationships across a variety of issues matter to children, such as early childhood services, recreation space and community planning.

Ernest在香港非營利組織界服務已有10多年。從作為文化遺產教育者去尋找傳統文化的現代意義，到作為兒童權利倡導者為兒童發聲，他一直熱衷於在不同的視角、能力和經驗之間喚起更廣泛的理解，求同存異地去探索不同的可能性。

作為一名公眾參與從業者，他致力於促進成人與兒童和青少年合作，在幼兒服務、遊戲空間和社區規劃等兒童事務上建立真誠的聯繫和信任關係。

Sandra, the President of Verian Southeast Asia (formerly Kantar Public), boasts over 20 years of expertise in social, policy and sustainability research consulting. Her specialties include behavioral communications and design, public engagement, program evaluation, and data analysis in solving complex societal, policy and sustainability issues. Sandra is actively engaged in the research industry and previously held the position of President at the Market Research Society Singapore (MRSS). She also imparts knowledge through training at institutions like Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

Beyond her professional roles, Sandra is committed to community building, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serves as a board advisor at Ecoworks and board member at the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA). Her multifaceted roles encompass advising, strategising, training, mentoring, facilitating, writing, and volunteering.

Lari has extensive experience in participation processes, covering EU-level green transition projects, national legislative and development initiatives, sustainable use of natural resources and climate-related issues. He has also assisted dozens of municipalities with urban planning, NGO collaboration, youth participation, schools and libraries, citizen panels, participatory budgeting, and developing public engagement frameworks. These projects have resulted in more effective solutions, increased trust in authorities, and created better future opportunities. He has trained dozens of municipalities, welfare regions, and state administration in planning and facilitating participatory processes.

Larilla on laaja kokemus osallisuusprosesseista. EU-tasolla hän on ollut mukana vihreän siirtymän projekteissa ja ministeriöiden lainsäädäntö- ja kehittämishankkeissa sekä luonnonvarojen kestävään käyttöön ja ilmastoon liittyvissä kysymyksissä. Hän on myös auttanut kymmeniä kuntia kaupunkisuunnittelussa, säästötoimien arvioinnissa, järjestöyhteistyössä, nuorisotyössä, koulujen ja kirjastojen kehittämisessä, kansalaispaneeleissa, osallistuvassa budjetoinnissa sekä osallisuusmallien kehittämisessä. Näissä projekteissa on syntynyt toimivampia ratkaisuja, luottamus viranomaisiin on vahvistunut ja on luotu parempia tulevaisuuden mahdollisuuksia. Hän on kouluttanut kymmeniä kuntia, hyvinvointialueita ja valtionhallintoa osallisuusprosessien suunnittelussa ja fasilitoinnissa.

Mohammed is an experienced professional in community development and engagement, with over 20 years of experience collaborating with local communities and diverse stakeholders on development projects across the MENA region. His work spans government authorities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations, covering extractive industries, good governance, social housing, and youth empowerment.

Committed to empowering individuals and communities, Mohammed strives to enhance their potential to thrive and actively contribute to building a brighter future through inclusive, transparent, and effective engagement practices.

يتمتع محمد بخبرة واسعة تزيد عن 20 عامًا في مجال التنمية المجتمعية والمشاركة، حيث يتمتع بخبرة في التعاون مع المجتمعات المحلية وأصحاب مصلحة متعددين في مشاريع التنمية في مختلف أنحاء منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. ويمتد نطاق عمله إلى العمل مع الجهات الحكومية والقطاع الخاص والمنظمات غير الربحية، ويغطي مجالات الصناعات الاستخراجية والحوكمة الرشيدة والإسكان الاجتماعي وتمكين الشباب.

ملتزمًا بتمكين الأفراد والمجتمعات، يسعى محمد إلى تعزيز إمكاناتهم للنجاح والمساهمة بفعالية في بناء مستقبل أكثر إشراقًا من خلال ممارسات المشاركة المجتمعية الشاملة والشفافة والفعالة.

• Oriana Salazar Harvey, Chile

Designing P2/Engagement

• Luis Oré, Peru
• Lorato Tigedi, South Africa

IAP2 also congratulates the successful licensing of trainers for the following Global Learning Pathway (GLP) electives:

Understanding People and Communities

• Gay Robinson, Canada
• Kim Hyshka, Canada
• Tracey Ehl, Canada

Working with Conflict and High Emotion

• Penny Mabie, USA

• Luis Oré, Peru
• Patrick Sithole, South Africa

Designing P2/Engagement

• Tatiana Echeverri, Colombia 

IAP2 also congratulates the successful licensing of trainers for the following Global Learning Pathway (GLP) electives:

Understanding People and Communities

• Jessica Delaney, Canada

Understanding Conflict in P2/Engagement

• Catherine Smith, USA

Working with Conflict and High Emotion

• Kimberly Horndeski, USA
• Refilwe Sishange, South Africa
• Tracey Ehl, Canada

• Kristi Merilees, Canada
• Lydia Mphumela, South Africa
• Tatiana Echeverri, Colombia 
• Wiwin Winarni, Indonesia

IAP2 also congratulates the successful licensing of trainers for the following Global Learning Pathway (GLP) electives:

Understanding People and Communities

• Cassie Hemphill, USA
• Tannis Topolnisky, Canada

Working with Conflict and High Emotion

• Cassie Hemphill, USA
• Jessica Delaney, Canada
• Kim Hyshka, Canada

International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) seeks to promote and improve the practice of public participation/engagement and is actively seeking trainers to help grow the practice globally. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.  IAP2 ensures that all applicants receive full and equitable consideration. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to ensure the full participation of candidates that are accepted into the programme.

We are currently recruiting international trainers for the following courses:

• Prerequisites (Fundamentals in P2/engagement and IAP2 Way in Challenging Contexts) - all trainers are required to be licensed in these courses

• Designing P2/engagement

• Applying Methods

• Understanding Conflict in P2/Engagement

• Working with Conflict and High Emotion

• Understanding People and Communities

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in P2/Engagement

Learn more about these courses and who should become a trainer.

Visit our website for more information on the programme, along with the application criteria and form. You can also download this brochure for details of the 2023-24 Licensing Programme. 

Please submit your Proposal to Ellen Ernst, Executive Manager, at iap2hq@iap2.org by  Monday, June 7, 2021 at 5:00 PM PDT(US/Canada)

International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) has updated the process for individuals from around the world to apply to the Foundations Trainer Preparation Program. The program prepares individuals to be licensed to deliver IAP2 International’s 5 - day Foundations in Public Participation course.

“We listened to our members about what was working and what could be improved,” said Cassie Hemphill, IAP2 International’s Professional Development Manager. “The updated process is designed to be clearer and to increase access to the program.”

Applicants are assessed against seven criteria, including their depth and breadth of experiences as a public participation/engagement practitioner, their ability to apply IAP2’s Core Values, and their ability to facilitate adult learning. Applications are assessed by a Selection Panel against an established set of quality standards in a blind review process.

“The Selection Panel is critical to the success of the application process,” said Ellen Ernst, IAP2 Executive Manager. “Blind review by a panel with diverse perspectives and global representation ensures applicants are fairly and equitably assessed.”

Candidates accepted into the program gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the content of the Foundations course, and they learn how to deliver the course content. Participants also learn about best practices in adult teaching and learning. Throughout the program, each candidate is guided by a designated faculty mentor. The mentors are highly qualified experienced Licensed Foundations Trainers who provide deep knowledge of the course as well as multi-cultural perspectives, enriching the candidates’ learning experience.

The program is delivered on demand through IAP2’s online learning management system, which allows candidates from around the world to learn where they live and advance through the program at a pace that best meets their needs.

Click on the links below to learn more about IAP2’s Foundations Trainer Preparation Program:

• Program Description. The program description provides an overview of the program, the duration and cost, and the acceptance process.
• Application Instructions. Please download and read the instructions carefully before beginning the online application.
• The online application is available at http://bit.ly/FoundationsTrainerAppl

For more information about the IAP2 Trainer Preparation Program, contact IAP2 international’s Professional Development Manager at pdm@iap2.org.

About IAP2

IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. IAP2 carries out its mission by organizing and conducting activities to:

• Serve the learning needs of members through events, publications, and communication technology;
• Advocate for public participation throughout the world;
• Promote a results-oriented research agenda and use research to support educational and advocacy goals;
• Provide technical assistance to improve public participation.

For general information about IAP2, contact Ellen Ernst, IAP2 Federation Executive Manager at iap2hq@iap2.org.

Attached are three documents that provide more information about our Foundations Trainer Preparation Program:

• Program Description. The program description provides an overview of the program, the duration and cost, the use of a Selection Panel to review applications, and other important information.
 
• Application Assessment Rubric. There are 12 criteria for entrance into the program. Three levels have been set for each criterion: acceptance, provisional acceptance, and developing toward acceptance. More information about acceptance is provided in the Program Description.
 
• Instructions for Completing the Application. Please read the instructions carefully before beginning the online application. 

The online application is available at http://bit.ly/FoundationsTrainerAppl

The application can be saved and worked on at a later time. A link will be sent to the email address you provide to allow you to pick up where you left off.

Applications will not be processed until they are complete and two letters of recommendation have been received. (See Criteria 10 and 11 in the Application Rubric.)

Participants accepted into IAP2’s international Trainer Preparation program will develop deeper knowledge and understanding of the content of the Foundations course and learn how to deliver the course content. Participants also will augment their knowledge of best practices in adult teaching and learning. Individuals who successfully complete the program will be eligible for licensing as an IAP2 Foundations Trainer.

To register for ongoing updates about the program, please click here. Or contact IAP2 international’s Professional Development Manager, Cassandra Hemphill, at pdm@iap2.org.

About IAP2

IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. IAP2 carries out its mission by organizing and conducting activities to:

• Serve the learning needs of members through events, publications, and communication technology;
• Advocate for public participation throughout the world;
• Promote a results-oriented research agenda and use research to support educational and advocacy goals;
• Provide technical assistance to improve public participation.

IAP2 International has an ongoing need for Licensed Trainers to deliver IAP2’s international Foundations training in English, French, Bahasa and other languages. A selection panel will review applications that are received and recommend applicants for acceptance to the trainer preparation program. A selection panel is beneficial because it provides diverse perspectives, helps to eliminate biases, and provides accountability in the decision-making process. The panel will use an established set of scoring guidelines (an "assessment rubric") to ensure all applicants receive fair and equitable consideration. You are invited to nominate yourself or another IAP2 member to serve on the Trainer Candidate Selection Panel. The tasks, membership, size, schedule, and important conflict of interest information for the selection panel are provided on the next page.

Review of nominations will begin 4 February 2019.

Nominations close February 15.

To nominate yourself or another person to serve on the Trainer Candidate Selection Panel in 2019, please complete the form at http://bit.ly/IAP2SelectionPanel.

For more information, please contact IAP2 International Professional Development Manager Dr. Cassandra Hemphill at pdm@iap2.org.

Description of Responsibilities

Tasks. The Trainer Candidate Selection Panel has two tasks: (1) review and approve applications from prospective trainer candidates and (2) provide lessons learned and other feedback about the process to IAP2 International Staff to help the organization meet its goals for continuous process improvement.

Members. Members of the Trainer Candidate Selection Panel will be selected to ensure diversity of perspective and global representation, including developing countries. The panel will include the following perspectives:

• 2016 IAP2 International Train-the-Trainer (T3) Steering Committee, which guided development of the current program
  
  
• (Former) IAP2 T3 faculty, to provide a faculty perspective. Note that current faculty will not serve on the selection panel to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
  
  
• Trainer currently licensed by IAP2 who has not served as IAP2 faculty, to provide a candidate’s perspective.
  
  
• Bilingual IAP2 member who has completed the 5-day Foundations training but who is not a Licensed Trainer, to provide a global participant's perspective

In addition, the panel will include the following:

• IAP2 International Executive Manager
  
  
• IAP2 International Professional Development Manager

Size. The Trainer Candidate Selection Panel is envisioned to work most efficiently with 5 or 7 members. Members may represent more than one perspective.

Schedule. The Trainer Candidate Selection Panel will begin its work on 25 February 2019. The initial term of service is 11 months (through 31 December 2019). Applications from potential candidates will be accepted on a rolling basis. To ensure applicants receive a timely response, the panel will conduct its work at least once a month.

Avoidance of Conflict of Interest. To avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest, during their term of service on the Trainer Candidate Selection Panel and extending for 3 months after their service on the panel ends, individuals will not be considered for entrance into the trainer preparation program or be allowed to serve as faculty in the program. Panel members will be recused from considering any application in which they could be perceived as having a conflict of interest, including situations in which the individual could derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity.

Nominations. To nominate yourself or another person to serve on the Trainer Candidate Selection Panel in 2019, click on the following link and complete the form:

http://bit.ly/IAP2SelectionPanel

For more information, contact IAP2 International Professional Development Manager Dr. Cassandra Hemphill at pdm@iap2.org.

We have prepared this fact sheet about the IAP2 Federation training program to help you decide whether this opportunity is right for you. Becoming an IAP2 licensed trainer is a rigorous undertaking that takes several months of study and preparation. In the spirit of Core Value 6, the following paragraphs provide answers to many commonly asked questions: Where can a trainer provide the course(s)? Who schedules IAP2 courses? Who is responsible for marketing, recruitment, and event management? Who pays the license fees? What business model does IAP2 use?

As with all business decisions, it is important to carefully consider the personal and legal requirements of managing a full range of business activities as well as how this opportunity fits into your current work/life situation.

Where Can IAP2 Licensed Trainers Deliver the IAP2 Courses? An IAP2 license allows trainers to deliver our courses in any location where there is sufficient interest. This can be in the trainer’s home location or anywhere in the world. The license enables each trainer to decide when and where to hold courses. Most IAP2 trainers are public participation (P2) practitioners first and trainers second, and this policy allows each trainer to schedule course deliveries after considering their other obligations.

Who Schedules IAP2 Courses, Who Manages Logistics, and Who Pays the License Fees? Most IAP2 courses are scheduled and delivered by IAP2 licensed trainers to the public. The trainer is responsible for all pre-course marketing, recruitment, and event management, and the trainer pays IAP2 a license fee for each student attending the course. Some courses open to the public are sponsored by an IAP2 Affiliate or a Chapter. In these cases, the Affiliate or Chapter usually takes responsibility for pre-course marketing, recruitment, and event management as well as paying the license fees. All courses that are open to the public are listed on the IAP2 Training Calendar at www.iap2.org.

Some courses are not open to the public. When an organization such as a government agency or private-sector consultancy sponsors a course, attendance may be limited to that organization’s personnel. Occasionally, the organization may make a few seats available to allied organizations or to the public. For these private “in-house” courses, the sponsoring organization usually is responsible for marketing, recruitment, and event management. Private courses are not listed on the IAP2’s training calendar, but course information is provided to IAP2 staff for management purposes.

 ome organizations that sponsor courses have an employee on staff who is licensed to deliver IAP2 courses. These “institutional trainers” primarily deliver private courses inside the organization. Some institutional trainers are allowed to deliver courses outside the organization, although this option may be limited by the organization because of conflict of interest or other concerns. Some organizations may provide financial assistance to individuals seeking to become an IAP2 licensed trainer.

Other variants on public and private courses also exist. For example, an Affiliate may contract with specific trainers to deliver courses both privately and to the public. In each case, whether public or private, the individual trainer who delivers the course must ensure that everything is well organized to ensure a successful learning experience for course participants and that all license fees and paperwork are properly completed and submitted to the Federation.

What Business Model is Used by IAP2? Historically, IAP2 Federation has used an entrepreneurial business model. Under this model, IAP2 licenses individual trainers, and the trainers then find and develop their own markets for IAP2 courses. Some licensed trainers own their own business and add the ability to deliver IAP2 licensed courses to their business portfolio. Other trainers develop teaming arrangements, and the team members decide the extent to which they will collaborate on the business and whether to deliver IAP2 courses individually or as a team. A few licenses are held, as noted above, by institutional trainers. You can learn more about the variety of IAP2’s licensed trainers and their businesses by reading the biographies of our Foundations Licensed Trainers and our Outrage Licensed Trainers posted on the IAP2 website (www.iap2.org).

As with starting or adding to any small business, you should carefully weigh the benefits and challenges of this opportunity. Please check your local laws and regulations. Some countries require trainers to obtain a license or meet other requirements before they can deliver training. If you currently work for an organization that wants to add training to its business, you should carefully consider the opportunity and constraints of licensing. Consult legal and accounting professionals before starting a business.

Click here to print this page as a PDF.

Click here to receive program announcements. (If you have already registered it is not necessary to do so again.)

March 14, 2018

Why did IAP2 decide to revise the process to become an IAP2 Foundations Licensed Trainer?

In 2017, IAP2 piloted a new process for becoming a Foundations Licensed Trainer. Throughout 2017, feedback on the process was collected from applicants, faculty, trainer candidates, and staff. IAP2 has used that feedback to re-design the first two steps to increase efficiency and provide more transparency for applicants. IAP2 will continue to incorporate feedback from the 2017 pilot and the redesigned 2018 program to be responsive to its members’ needs and improve its processes. The curriculum is still being developed. More details will available in summer 2018.

The new process introduces four main changes:

• IAP2’s online classes are open to everyone who has completed the 5-day Foundations program.

• IAP2's online classes respond to your requests for a refresher. Students in the classes will review and update the knowledge they gained when they originally completed the Foundations program. The classes also will prepare students for the entrance exam, the first step in IAP2’s Foundations Trainer Development Program.

• IAP2’s online classes are offered in a synchronous format. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. Learning in a collaborative environment fosters a sense of community. The format also helps IAP2 keep the classes affordable.

• IAP2’s online classes are a la carte. Students can take the complete series in order or choose only the classes they want or need. Classes will be repeated on a regular basis, providing our members the flexibility they need to fit continuing education into their existing life commitments.

Registration for the Foundations online classes will open soon. Click here to get updates and ensure you don’t miss out.

IAP2 will soon announce details for its Outrage trainer development program. Click here to get updates about the Outrage program and ensure you don’t miss out.

For further information or questions about IAP2’s Trainer Development programs, contact Cassandra Hemphill, IAP2 Federation Professional Development Manager at pdm@iap2.org.

For general information about IAP2, contact Ellen Ernst, IAP2 Federation Executive Manager at iap2hq@iap2.org.

About IAP2

IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. IAP2 carries out its mission by organizing and conducting activities to:

• Serve the learning needs of members through events, publications, and communication technology;

• Advocate for public participation throughout the world;

• Promote a results-oriented research agenda and use research to support educational and advocacy goals;

• Provide technical assistance to improve public participation.

Click here to print this page as a pdf.

Update: Applications to become licensed to deliver the IAP2 international training program, Foundations in Public Participation, closed March 31, 2017, and the roster of T3 Program Instructors was announced April 4, 2017.

#     #     #

April 4, 2017 - The IAP2 Federation Board is pleased to announce the selection of Instructors for the 2017 Train-the-Trainer (T3) Pilot Program for Foundations in Public Participation. “We are delighted to have this group of experienced and talented IAP2 Trainers and P2 practitioners on board to train and mentor the next generation to carry on the IAP2 mission of extending and advancing the practice of public participation,” said Noreen Rude, IAP2 Federation Presiding Member.

Please join IAP2 in congratulating our new T3 Program Instructors:

Barbara Chappell	Barbara Chappell became an IAP2 Foundations trainer in 2008 to make IAP2’s training accessible in her home state of Adelaide, South Australia. She has delivered the Foundations program to local and state government and not-for-profit staff throughout Australia and in 2016 at the USA Skills Symposium. Barbara draws on her work as a practitioner to share examples of public participation in the training room and gathers stories from participants to build our global knowledge of good practice. One of the most rewarding parts of training for Barbara is to hear how former students are applying what they have learned in their organisations and communities.
Wendy Lowe	Wendy Lowe has 30 years of experience doing public participation and facilitation work.  She owns P2 Solutions and is a partner with The Participation Company.  A member of IAP2 since 1992, she took IAP2 training the first time it was offered at conference and was so impressed with the material that she became a trainer.  She serves on the IAP2 USA Board of Directors and chairs the IAP2 USA Certification Task Force. In addition, she is a Certified Professional Facilitator (International Association of Facilitators) and on the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution’s roster of environmental facilitators.
Tannis Topolnisky	Tannis Topolnisky has more than 15 years of experience as a P2 practitioner. As a licensed IAP2 Foundations trainer, she has delivered the course for more than 6 years to a variety of public and in-house audiences. She also has experience providing a variety of other training opportunities to P2 and other professionals. As a practitioner, Tannis has managed over 30 different municipal, national and international projects in a diversity of areas. Her work is driven by one key goal: to create meaningful experiences for participants. She is excited about the opportunity to support new trainers so they can lead meaningful learning experiences themselves.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the T3 Instructor Selection Committee members Lewis Michaelson, Antoinette Pietersen, Dr. Marty Rozelle, and Alice Sherring, all of whom are IAP2 Licensed Foundations Trainers, Dr. Cassandra “Cassie” Hemphill, Professional Development Manager, and Ellen Ernst, Executive Manager, for their efforts in working through the selection process and for their thoughtful consideration of all applications received. IAP2 was pleased with the interest received. The breadth and depth of experience was quite impressive.

The T3 Instructors will be supported by Cassie Hemphill. Cassie can be reached at PDM@iap2.org.

For more information about becoming an IAP2 Trainer, visit iap2.org

— Frequently Asked Questions —

February 1, 2017 – The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2 Federation) is now accepting applications from individuals in the field of public engagement who are interested in becoming licensed to deliver the IAP2 international training program, Foundations in Public Participation.

The Train-the-Trainer (T3) program has been refreshed during the past year with the guidance of SBM Consultants (Canada) and IAP2 volunteer Steering Committee members: Jan Bloomfield, Anne Carroll, Kylie Cochrane, Anne Harding, Gale Simpson, and Erika Du Plessis, along with input from subject matter experts among the IAP2 training community.

Candidates in the new T3 program, working through the process in a cohort led by experienced IAP2 Foundations Instructors, will develop a thorough understanding of the Foundations course content and principles of adult education, hone their skills and delivery techniques via in-person training and practice sessions, acquire practical experience co-training with an IAP2 Licensed Trainer, and receive mentoring support through their first year as a Trainer.

“IAP2 recognizes there are growing opportunities for advancing the practice of public participation internationally. The IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation program is a key element of the strategy to accomplish the mission of IAP2,” said Noreen Rude, IAP2 Federation Presiding Member. The objectives of the T3 program are to serve current and new markets, expand the reach to practitioners who speak a language other than English, and benefit IAP2 members by ensuring the availability of high quality, effective public participation training around the world.

Applications for the first cohort are being accepted through March 31, 2017 for training to begin in mid-June 2017. The complete packet of materials includes the Trainer Candidate Handbook and Trainer Candidate Application Form.

Applications for Trainer Candidates Closed 31 March 2017

New! Watch the IAP2 webinar for interested applicants.

View the webinar recording or review the presentation slides to learn more!

Are you ready?

The Trainer Candidate Handbook will provide you with a comprehensive picture of the process of becoming an IAP2 Licensed Trainer for the Foundations in Public Participation Program. At the end of the Handbook you will find a Self-Assessment form (Section G), which will help you decide whether you are ready to take the steps required on the journey to becoming an IAP2 Foundations Licensed Trainer. Click here to take the Applicant Self-Assessment online.

Fees

Please review the Fees section of the Trainer Candidate Handbook prior to making your final decision to apply. When you are ready to submit your application, click here to make your initial payment.

Questions?

For further information or questions about the IAP2 Train-the-Trainer program, contact Cassandra Hemphill, IAP2 Federation Professional Development Manager at pdm@iap2.org.

For general information about IAP2, contact Ellen Ernst, IAP2 Federation Executive Manager at iap2hq@iap2.org.

About IAP2

IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. IAP2 carries out its mission by organizing and conducting activities to:

• Serve the learning needs of members through events, publications, and communication technology;
• Advocate for public participation throughout the world;
• Promote a results-oriented research agenda and use research to support educational and advocacy goals;
• Provide technical assistance to improve public participation.