What is the course overview?
The Certificate Program, recently revamped and renamed Foundations in Public Participation, provides a broad-based learning experience covering all of the foundations of civic engagement. Developed by the most experienced and successful practitioners from around the world, this training provides useful tools for designing and implementing practical, real world public involvement programs. Foundations is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, techniques and confidence to design and manage the most effective public involvement programs. This course will help you hit the ground running, armed with the knowledge and confidence you need to plan and execute effective initiatives for any area in which you may be working.

Who should take this course?
This course is recommended for EPA staff and community members who work in communications, public relations, public affairs, planning, public outreach and understanding, community development, public policy, infrastructure development, utilities, academics and advocacy or lobbying.

What are the course learning objectives?
Participants who complete this course will gain skills to:
•  Select appropriate tools for creating effective forums for dialogue;
•  Understand the value, risks, and benefits of public participation and how to integrate it into decision-making processes;
•  Develop appropriate objectives that clarify the public’s role and are aligned with and support the decision process; and
•  Select techniques that align with program objectives and design, deliver, and evaluate effective public participation processes.

What are the logistics?
The Planning for Effective Public Participation (Three Days) class is the  first class of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Training - Foundations in Public Participation course offering. The Planning for Effective Public Participation class is a prerequisite to the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Training - Techniques for Effective Public Participation class, but you may take this class alone.  Once you have registered for this class you will be offered the option to sign up  for the Techniques class.

*Completion of both courses fulfills the requirements of the IAP2 Training - Foundations in Public Participation Certificate course.*

This planning course is critical for developing effective public participation. Using IAP2’s Spectrum for Public Participation, learn how to establish clear and achievable objectives for a public involvement program and how to define a promise to the public. This hands-on course gives you the opportunity to delve into your own challenges as you learn and review the essential elements of effective public participation planning.

Techniques that are taught include the World Café, Revolving Conversations, Citizen Jury, Advisory Groups, and many others.

Various trainers are available to teach these courses, all of whom have been vetted through IAP2. IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation.

Is there available background material?
Participants receive detailed course materials: student manuals, including IAP2’s Public Participation Toolbox and Tip Sheets for 25 techniques.