Our History
From a small gathering of practitioners in 1990 to a global community spanning 26 countries. This is the story of public participation's leading international association.
IAP2 is an international association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world.
IAP2 carries out its mission by organizing and conducting activities that serve practitioners, advocates, researchers, and anyone involved in meaningful public engagement, whether professional or volunteer, local or international.
IAP2 Canada is a proud regional affiliate of IAP2 International, serving as the national home for public participation and engagement professionals across Canada. Visit IAP2 International →
Serve the learning needs of members through events, publications, and communication technology
Advocate for public participation throughout the world
Promote a results-oriented research agenda and use research to support educational and advocacy goals
Provide technical assistance to improve public participation
From a founding vision in 1990 to a global network of more than 12,500 members, IAP2 has shaped the practice of public participation across the world.
The International Association of Public Participation Practitioners (IAP3) is founded, responding to rising global interest in public participation. Its founding mission: promote the values and best practices of involving the public in decisions that affect their lives.
The founding Board of Directors assembles by-laws and policies and organizes the first annual conference in Portland, Oregon. The organization launches with 300 members, a newsletter, and a commitment to annual gatherings of practitioners.
As the organization grows beyond formal practitioners to include all people involved in public participation, the name changes to IAP2. A semi-annual journal, website, and local chapters are added to its list of services.
IAP2 launches its Certificate Training Course in Public Participation, providing comprehensive training in the tools and skills needed for effective public engagement. This foundational program sets the standard for P2 education worldwide.
IAP2 introduces the Emotion, Outrage in Public Participation course, recognizing that navigating public emotion is a critical and underserved skill for engagement practitioners.
IAP2 regions, including IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA, are formally established to better serve local needs. Regional affiliates allow IAP2 to provide culturally relevant training, certification, and community for practitioners in their own contexts.
The Certificate course is updated and renamed Foundations in Public Participation. The same year, IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA launch professional certification programs open to IAP2 members worldwide, elevating P2 as a recognized profession.
IAP2 grows to more than 12,500 members from 26 countries, establishing itself as the undisputed global leader in public participation. Annual conferences have been held in North America every year since 1992, alternating between IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA.
As an official regional affiliate established in 2010, IAP2 Canada is the national home for public participation professionals across the country, offering world-class training, certification, and a thriving community.
IAP2 Canada carries forward the international mission of IAP2 with a distinctly Canadian lens, connecting practitioners from coast to coast, advocating for meaningful engagement in public decision-making, and providing the training and credentials that define professional excellence in the field.
Whether you're new to public participation or a seasoned practitioner, IAP2 Canada offers the training, certification, community, and resources to help you do your best work. Our chapters span the country, our courses are world-class, and our CP3 designation sets the benchmark for professional P2 practice.
Conferences have been held in North America every year since 1992, alternating between IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA, a testament to the deep roots and lasting strength of this community.
Join a global community committed to better public decisions through meaningful participation.
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