About IAP2

Who is IAP2?

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) is a non-profit organisation established to advance the practice of public participation world wide. IAP2 was founded in the United States in 1990 to promote the values and best practices associated with involving the public in decisions that affect their lives. The International Association has grown from 300 members in 1992 to over 1000 representing 19 chapters around the world. The Australasian Chapter has over 525 members and is growing every day.

IAP2 has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado where the Secretariat is based. The Secretariat assists the Board of Directors, manages the conferences held in the USA and Canada and handles general administration, including membership. The Board holds elections each year, electing a President and President Elect. Currently Australasia has two sitting Board members and an Affiliate representative.

The Australasia Way

Australasia has been an active participant in IAP2 from its formation. Brian Sadler, of Western Australia was an original Board Member. A small group of Sydney practitioners met in 1998 to discuss establishing a Chapter of IAP2 in Australia. The first Chapter outside North America was formed and has made its mark on the Association ever since!

IAP2 Australasia set up a committee structure that spans across many states of Australia and New Zealand. The Association is registered in New South Wales as a not-for-profit group. An Annual General Meeting is held each year in August/September. Regular member and supporter events are held in most States and in New Zealand since 1998. IAP2 Australasia has held four major conferences in Sydney, Brisbane and the latest in Melbourne in 2007.

IAP2 Training

The IAP2 Training Program offers a Certificate in Public Participation throughout Australasia, North America, Europe and Asia. As public participation practice becomes more known throughout the world, IAP2 has attracted more members and supporters, as well as training graduates.

In Australasia, over 160 government organisations have held representatives receive training. In February 2005 an IAP2 Training Academy was held in Sydney. This enabled more accredited IAP2 trainers to conduct training within Australasia. We are hoping to run another Academy in 2007 in Australia.

IAP2 Australasian model

In March 2005 a new financial model for the IAP2 Australasian Chapter was adopted by the International Association. The new model, supported by the IAP2 board will be trialled for two years from February 2005. It is an exciting way forward for practitioners in Australasia as it allows for membership to be paid in Australian dollars, with 60% of membership money being used in Australasia to support the local Association. IAP2 Australasia will return 40% of membership to Denver. The Board is evaluating the model that other IAP2 chapters may want to adopt as IAP2 reaches out to other parts of the world.

The new model will make it easier to achieve goals set by the Australasia Chapter Committee – primarily the development of professional resources and services, through employment of a part-time Secretariat to undertake routine administration. With the Chapter growing to be the largest in IAP2 in terms of numbers, the committee want to work towards a truly Australasian organisation.

Next steps

The Australasian Committee hopes to increase member benefits to encourage more membership and to expand the professionalism of public participation practice in our region. You are encouraged to join the new IAP2 Australia and be part of the movement to support practice in our region. At the same time, we can enhance the reputation of IAP2 and the promotion of the Association.

IAP2 Australasia offers a network of professional practitioners in all fields of public participation and related work. We meet regularly to hold interesting and provocative events, seminars, conversations and conferences that will give you an extra edge in your work. We welcome your ideas, experiences and energy to IAP2 Australasia.