An Update on Training Harmonisation
Regional boards and key stakeholders have been reviewing the updated IAP2 Way. These materials reflect the ongoing harmonisation of the training curriculum and feedback from critical friends during the IAP2 Way conversations from a few months ago. Whilst regions deliberate on The IAP2 Way, the International board plans to engage trainers on what licensing agreements and anticipated logistics might look like once harmonization is complete. Also, we've decided to delay scheduling any Pilot Trainings until we reach alignment with all regions on The IAP2 Way.
As IAP2 seeks greater diversity, gains a presence in emerging regions, and faces the challenges of virtual participation, the definition of who we are should be inclusive of all modes of participation: traditional, historical, emerging as well as formal and informal, that shape the public sphere. We want to explore how we can acknowledge and work with both concepts because they're both used across our global community and represent an important and defining aspect of our international practice.
To read more from IAP2, keep reading for an update from Kylie Cochrane:
October 2020
Dear IAP2 members,
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 organizational 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 ‘harmonization’ of our two foundational training curricula: The Foundations in Public Participation and Australasia Certificate in Engagement programs. Harmonizing 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 organizing 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 organization 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 yous… 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.
Regards,
Kylie Cochrane
IAP2 International Chair
