An update from IAP2 International Chair – Kylie Cochrane
October 20, 2020
On behalf of the IAP2 International Board I wanted to share the latest on our shared change journey.
Ensuring strong regions and strong international
Formally launched in Denver in 2018, the IAP2 Change Process produced a number of goals intended to build strong regions and a strong international body. One of the most significant changes was the transfer of training licensing fees from International to the regional bodies from 2020. This was deliberately done to ensure regions had a sustainable revenue stream. The COVID pandemic has been a financial setback for trainers and the regional bodies but we’re now seeing renewed demand for IAP2 training. Thanks to the regional bodies for taking the initial steps in the organisational change process and sharing membership fees with International.
Harmonised training
To ensure the consistency and quality of IAP2’s expanding body of expertise, the Global Practice Development Committee, or GPDC, is leading the ‘harmonisation’ of our two foundational training curricula: The Foundations in Public Participation and Australasia Certificate in Engagement programs. Harmonising these unique but interrelated bodies of practice is another important goal that came out of Denver. Our aim is to roll out this harmonised training in 2021.
Advocacy and Emerging Practice
Our Advocacy and Emerging Practice Committee (AEP) initiated the creation of a new process for forming and supporting emerging regional bodies. The new guidelines ensure a strong, sustainable and incremental process with checks and balances, and appropriate support from International. The recently launched IAP2 Latin America, or IAP2 LATAM, is a product of the new process. One of their recent webinars drew 70+ participants from 16 countries. Congratulations to our IAP2 Latin American family!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In response to member concerns regarding cultural awareness and sensitivity within IAP2, the International Board commissioned an audit of our Association’s practices concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The six-month audit was conducted by Bonding Change, a Canadian-based consultancy. Recommendations from both the audit and U.S. board members included the establishment of a DEI Task Force. Launched on October 1, 2020, this task force includes a representative from each region. It is responsible for ensuring the integration of DEI into all facets of IAP2 business.
2020 North American Conference
I want to congratulate IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA for the remarkable job they did with the North American Conference held virtually in September. The Conference organising team did a superb job delivering a rich, relevant, comprehensive, and interactive program to a large virtual audience. Thank you for ensuring that IAP2 continues to live up to its reputation as a creative, smart, and innovative organisation that tackles challenges like COVID-19 with a ‘can-do’ attitude. Well done North America! You’ve inspired the rest of us.
Ending with thank you…Over the past two and a half years, regions, trainers, members and contract consultants have contributed thousands of hours in support of transformational change across our Association. We would also like to acknowledge all volunteers, trainers and staff on the Global Practice Development Committee (GPDC) and thank them for the huge amount of time and energy they are investing in our training harmonisation project. We want to pause and thank each of you for the expertise, passion and energy you bring to IAP2 and thank you for your ongoing support.
Stay safe and keep engaging.