Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Vancouver Calling

The membership committee are working towards a leadership event in Vancouver on April 23rd 2009. If you are interested or know someone who is ... pass it on!

VANCOUVER BC.,CANADA 23 APRIL 2009

IAP2 Members, Affiliate and Chapter representatives and members eager to have leadership opportunities are encouraged to attend this exciting professional development opportunity. The IAP2 leadership workshop will coincide with a meeting of the IAP2 International Board, 24th – 26th April, AND the BC Chapter Symposium on the 24th April. Attendees are encouraged to stay on for the 24th and the morning of the 25th to participate in these two other events.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GATHERING?
To bring together Affiliate, Chapter and emerging IAP2 leaders with International Board members to:
· exchange information between the Board, Affiliate, Chapters, and members
· develop skills to foster our membership support structures
· translate IAP2’s strategic goals and objectives into local action
· foster a sense of community among representatives of our Affiliate, Chapters, and members.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
We are seeking a strong mix of representatives from Chapters and the Affiliate, people trying to create or rebuild Chapters, and individual members especially from North America. Several International Board members will join us, and special guests will be invited to lead some of the sessions.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
You will be invigorated and challenged and you will have many opportunities to build your leadership skills and capabilities – all of which will be valuable to you in your role as an IAP2 leader and in your everyday professional responsibilities.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Thanks to our primary sponsor, TransLink (Canada), there is no registration fee for the workshop and participants will have free local public transportation. Affiliates and Chapters are encouraged to consider this a high priority and seek local funds to pay for representatives’ travel and lodging. The IAP2 Membership Committee is also working to secure additional sponsors, and may be able to provide a limited amount of scholarship support especially for participants from outside North America.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE DISCUSSION ON THIS EVENT?

By contacting:

Desley Renton on desley_renton@lgaq.asn.au OR
Amelia Shaw on amelia_shaw@translink.bc.ca
Please register your intention to attend this event by Friday February 27th 2009 to dina@iap2.org

Monday, January 26, 2009

IAP2 Trainers Exclusive Opportunity - Outrage Managment EOI

As stated in the EOI information sent to all IAP2 trainers. Responses to all questions will be posted on the blog for all to reference.

Here is the first question:

I am very interested and wondering if there is there a consistent format that you would like the While there is no specific form, please use the selection criteria in the notice to asssist you in preparing your application, noting the weighting to guide you:

"Expressions of Interest must demonstrate that you are:
- A Licensed trainer in good standing – non-negotiable
- Have a proven capacity to generate market for training (20%)
- Have experience in developing adult learning materials and curriculum (25%)
- Have demonstrated experience in a range of adult education methods (20%)
- Have experience in the last 2 years in outrage management, conflict resolution, engagement on controversial issues (25%)
- Familiarity with the Sandman approach to outrage management and risk communication (10%)
If possible, we will also be seeking from the pool of those expressing an interest, a spread in language, culture and geographical diversity."


Here are some more questions that have come in:
1. The August 'test'. Will trainers be paid travel/ accommodation expenses and fee for piloting in August?

No.

2. Same question for the pre-conference training in San Diego - will trainers have expenses and fees paid for this?
Trainers will be paid to deliver the course pre-conference, as we will be charging participants. The initial April investment in time, work and travel we are suggesting will NOT be compensated in any way

3. Length of course - how long is it envisaged the course is going to be - 2 day, 3 day, 5 days?
It is a 2 day program

4. Just to confirm - for the first 18 months no licence fee. If this is the case how does IAP2 generate revenue?
Trainers will be remunerated with a flat fee for their services. All training will be along the lines of it being “IAP2 sponsored”. Revenue will be distributed to trainers, royalty fee to Sandman, hospitality, venue costs, promotion, marketing and other incidentals as with any training program.

5. Is the information in applications treated as confidential?
Yes, it will be shared with the assessment panel but no others without the permission of the applicant

Please submit your questions to moira@iap2.org and all answers will be provided via our blog. No individual replies will be provided.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Learning Partnerships EOI: Your Questions Answered

The Expression of Interest to all IAP2 members about becoming a Learning Partner is now in circulation. In order for access and equity and transparency to be applied, all questions received will be answered via the blog for everyone to access and have the same information. Here are the answers to the first questions in:

1. If we already have a "Tier II" training program available to IAP2 do we have to submit an EOI?
Yes you will - in the principles of fairness and equity we are applying the same assessment criteria for all so we can announce the suite of 2009 Partners. Feel free to re-submit them as is to this process – it is a matter of ensuring equity and equality of opportunity for all IAP2 members interested in being considered for this partnership program – which is consistent with the IAP2 2009 /10 strategic plan. The Business Learning Model is designed to extend the reach of IAP2 through a partnership approach.

I am expecting that there would be absolutely no reason why your existing offerings could not be a part of what we promote this year and build on for partnerships.

2. The RFP didn't indicate that we should be identifying locations.
Rather, it said that locations would be determined. Is it anticipated that proposals would indicate their preferred locations?

Please feel free to offer your preferred locations for delivery.

3. Am I correct in assuming that travel costs of trainers would also be covered by IAP2, and not just trainer fees?

The travel costs will be built into the overall 'price' of the training and will be reimbursed 'at cost' to the trainer who delivers - so yes you are right in assuming the travel costs of trainers would be covered by IAP2

4. Is there anyway I can send in my EoI when I get back after March 6th?

At this stage we are planning to have a second call later in the year and in the interests of equity for this call it is unlikely we will extend the timeline for this call. However the information we have received from you at this stage may be sufficient for the assessment process.

5. Q:We are wondering about the relationship between the learning partnerships model and the Australasian affiliate. We recognise that the marketing power of the IAP2 brand would potentially be very beneficial for trainers based in North America. It is less clear how the international organisation would go about adding value to the marketing effort here in Oz. We would be very interested to know whether the local affiliate will be involved in promoting the training, and if so, specifically how would that support be provided? Would it amount to putting dates on the training calendar, or would there be significant effort applied to filling courses?

A: At this stage partnership training will be offered through the international central organisation. It is envisaged that there may be capacity to build other pathways through Chapters and Affiliates in the same way the Certificate program has been offered over the years. The central organising unit of IAP2 will be and is currently active in promoting programs, identifying a range of partnerships and pathways to professional development in public participation and there are a number of initiatives underway that we hope will drive potential learners to these educational opportunities. These initiatives will begin to unfold in the coming month(s) and include the development of a training/education specific e-bulletin; virtual communities of practice for members; growth in accessibility to the Journal and efforts for professional development credits to be applied to the Certificate program.

6. We are interested in the Learning Partnership opportunity and I'm wondering whether we can make it work financially. We price our trainings on the low side (our sliding scale starts at $125/day), which barely covers costs, as enrollment is limited to 20. Would IAP2 be inclined to charge much more?
Is there a minimum amount that IAP2 hopes to make from these partnerships, so we can figure out a realistic budget and fee schedule?

The pricing for training will be based on the submission you propose. This is a competitive process and IAP2 will be seeking to recover promotional costs with the mark-up price of training from these partnerships. However the priority is on building partnerships and advancing the practice of public participation so this will be discussed in detail with each potential partner. There is a base line IAP2 is seeking to recover that is dependent on the economies of scale and the range of locations that can be offered from the overall package. You are therefore encouraged to identify you bottom lines in the fee schedule or your own parameters and expectations from IAP2.

Q: Will you be looking for some type of more formal submittal?

A: We will be assessing each submission against the criteria, so in that sense it is a formal process. If you feel your submission can be presented informally and still meet the criteria, then we will of course be happy to receive it!

Q: What thoughts are there on delivery opportunities?

A: We have access to our extensive data base of individuals and groups who are members and those who have completed the Certificate in Public Participation that may well be looking for additional professional development opportunities. IAP2 will also be embarking on a marketing campaign to draw registrants from new markets as well

Answers to your questions will continue to be posted. So to stay in touch with this discussion check back again at a later date.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Transparency and Openness

IAP2 is not alone in increasing its transparency in decision-making, and as long term advocates members are delighted to see one of the first acts of USA President Obama was a memo to the heads of government departments and agencies on Transparency and Open Government.

Here is what he said:

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release January 21, 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Transparency and Open Government

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government. Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset. My Administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use. Executive departments and agencies should harness new technologies to put information about their operations and decisions online and readily available to the public. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public feedback to identify information of greatest use to the public. Government should be participatory. Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions. Knowledge is widely dispersed in society, and public officials benefit from having access to that dispersed knowledge. Executive departments and agencies should offer Americans increased opportunities to participate in policymaking and to provide their Government with the benefits of their collective expertise and information. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public input on how we can increase and improve opportunities for public participation in Government.

Government should be collaborative. Collaboration actively engages Americans in the work of their Government. Executive departments and agencies should use innovative tools, methods, and systems to cooperate among themselves, across all levels of Government, and with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals in the private sector. Executive departments and agencies should solicit public feedback to assess and improve their level of collaboration and to identify new opportunities for cooperation. I direct the Chief Technology Officer, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Administrator of General Services, to coordinate the development by appropriate executive departments and agencies, within 120 days, of recommendations for an Open Government Directive, to be issued by the Director of OMB, that instructs executive departments and agencies to take specific actions implementing the principles set forth in this memorandum. The independent agencies should comply with the Open Government Directive. This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. This memorandum shall be published in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA # #

If you are Federal employee and IAP2 member - let us know how this will impact you and what you will be doing to implement this direction. IAP2 is willing, ready and able to assist in this ambition and looks forward to our members supporting this initiative.

Friday, January 23, 2009

President Obama - Open for Business

The Inauguration of President Obama of the USA was one of the most watched governance events in human history. IAP2HQ took the time to watch the ceremony and some of the parade. The Administration is now 'open for business' and US members may want to read more about the establishment of the Office for Public Liaison which will be dedicated to being an interface between the public and the president. Immediate Past President Stephani Roy McCallum and Canadian citizen wrote:

Dear friends – I just wanted to take this moment to offer my deep and heartfelt congratulations to all our U.S. Board members and members on this historic day.

Obama’s speech was perhaps the most inspiring, challenging, moving speech I have ever heard, and you should all be enormously proud of your nation today. Lots of hope in the air.





Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Networking in Denver


From Left to Right: Past Presidents Scott Russell and LaVerne Kyriss, President '09 Dr Geoff Fagan and former board member Carol Anderson in Denver, CO, USA, January 2009
President Geoff Fagan's visit to Denver was an opportunity to catch up with other IAP2 members. The Colorado Chapter is planning to sponsor an individual to attend the IAP2 workshop in Vancouver in April and from that springboard start to re-vitalise the Chapter in their State. If you are in Colorado and interested in being involved contact LaVerne kyriss@wapa.gov She'll be pleased to hear from you!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Listening to the Voices of Youth

Are you wanting to listen to the voice of young people? The Worldlink's 12th Annual Youth Town Meeting will be held on Friday January 23rd 2009 in San Deigo. Over 700 students will be gathering and you can find out more about this exciting event that will be taped for those of us not young enough to be there and who want to learn more and hear more from this generation. Worldlink connects youth to global affairs and is an initative of the Joan B Croc Institute for Peace and Justice. This unique event has consistently delivered fresh, valuable and challenging environment for young people to consider global citizenship and the responsibilities of local participation with critical thinking. It calls upon youth to speak up and be heard about their concerns. It asks them to add their informed, curious, caring voices to a civil and responsible atmosphere in what we can build and engage in an increasingly interwined and interdependent world. It is an excerise that showcases how partnerships and collaborations can occur both locally and globally. If you are eager to hear the voices of the young listen in to this event and what the delegates have to say to inform your practice and theory around engagement and participation with this population.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Public Discourse on Making Sustainable Decisions

Making sustainable decisions is critical to the future of the planet - decisions that are both sustainable from an economic, social, environmental and cultural context as well as globally political one. The public discourse on these matters is set to the backdrop of the recent USA elections, however the international nature of decision-making includes civic engagement across communities, nations and time zones. IAP2 members who are keen to build the conversations in the public domain might like to contribute to other conversations as well and bring the P2 perspective.

This Week at IAP2 HQ



This Week IAP2 HQ have been working on website developments, our conference in San Diego in September and getting information together for a baseline to commence the year. There are some very exciting developments underway with potential partners for exisiting and new products and services in public participation ... stay tuned!


Making Sutainable Decisions - is the theme for the 17th International Conference being held in San Diego in September and very soon the invitation to submit to present will be available.

I am getting ready for a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Board and my desk needs a tidy up before I get on the plane and head off to San Diego for the meeting and to meet with Lewis Michaelson, Conference Convenor.




Thursday, January 1, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome to 2009

Today IAP2 was welcomed by Roland Rich, Executive Head, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) to join in the United Nations International Day for Democracy on September 15th. See how it was celebrated in 2008 http://www.un.org/democracyfund/X20080915.htm and mark it in your calendar for 2009.

Also today, Dr Geoff Fagan starts the year as 2009 IAP2 President and no doubt immediate past president Stephani Roy McCallum is toasting his health!

IAP2 begins the new year with a new editor for our international journal Steven Pyser and we welcome him and say a big thank you to the exiting editors Nancy Glock-Grueneich and Sara Nora Ross for their stewardship and carriage of the Journal.

Happy New Year everyone