South Africa forms Interim Committee

On Friday 12th February - the inaugural interim committee for IAP2 in South Africa formed. This dedicated band of volunteers are establishing four working groups to build the base and presence of IAP2. The committee have set a date for their first meeting and are looking forward to a program of events across the country beginning in Johannesburg and Pretoria and then extending to Cape Town and Durban in the first instance. They will build on the links with other Southern African nations once they consolidated their base in South Africa.

There will be more news soon. If you want to see photos from the events, please go to the IAP2 facebook community site.

The leadership of the interim committee is in the very capable hands of IAP2 trainer and long time member Toni Pietersen and with the support of eight others - 2 each from each of the working groups - and one "member at large" - the foundations are set for a successful beginning to the formal infrastructure for IAP2 in South Africa.

South Africa

IAP2 members, friends and networks in South Africa are preparing for a week of activities. Coming up in Johannesburg will be an information session for people interested in becoming licensed to IAP2 to deliver the Certificate in Public Participation and/or the Emotion, Outrage and Public Participation course. There will also be a workshop for those interested in establising the South African Affiliate of IAP2 and a members only session.

Many thanks to Golder for assistance in getting the schedule of events together and to IAP2 trainers Toni Pietersen and Tisha Greyling for their support and promotion of IAP2 in South Africa.

Happy New Year

2010 begins another exciting year for IAP2. South Africa now has emerging Affiliate status which means we can look forward to more connections with our members, networks and friends in South Africa!

If you have connections or networks you would like IAP2 to draw on in South Africa please let us know iap2hq@iap2.org

The Member Engagement process is continuing for another two months. Over 700 people have logged onto the site to learn more - if you haven't done so yet - please read and send your advice in to assist the Board in their decision-making in March 2010. Log on here and join in the discussion.

It isn't too early to start thinking about and identifying potential organisations and projects for the 2010 Core Values awards. In 2010 there will be a new award to honour and recognise emerging practitioners - individuals new to the field who are demonstrating excellence and promise in their practice. You can read winning applications in the Annual State of the Practice Reports available on line at www.iap2.org

IAP2 HQ wishes you all a Happy and Prosperous 2010!