IAP2 Federation

Governance

IAP2 is an international association of Affiliated 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 to:

• 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.

IAP2 was founded in 1990 as the International Association of Public Participation Practitioners (IAP3) to respond to the rising global interest in public participation. The initial mission was to promote the values and best practices associated with involving the public in government and industry decisions which affect their lives. The founding members assembled a Board of Directors, developed by-laws and policies, and organized the first annual conference in Portland, Oregon, in 1992. Practitioners, both professional and volunteer, were identified as the primary constituents for membership; a newsletter and an annual conference were selected as initial IAP2 activities.

IAP2 quickly grew and developed into an organization which looks beyond the formal practitioner to include all people involved in public participation. IAP2 added a semi-annual journal, web site, and local chapters to its list of services. In 1996, IAP2 changed its name to reflect this growing diversity and inclusiveness of membership. The organization has grown from 300 members in 1992 to over 1,500 in 2008, with members from 26 countries.  In 2009 IAP2 decided to begin a new journey that would support the growth of the profession around the world. This journey culminated in a change of governance to a Federation from Jan 1st 2011. The initial members of the Federation are Australasia, France, USA, UK & Ireland, Southern Africa and Canada.  Australasia is currently the largest Affiliate with over 800 members.

Board of Directors

IAP2 is directed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the Affililates. Affiliates with more than 300 members have 2 members on the Board, and those with under 300 members have one delegate on the Board. Meetings are held twice a year face to face and up to ten times a year via teleconference.

The Board hosts committees to advance its mission and presence.  Membership of these committees includes Board members and non-Board members. All committee members are nominated by their Affiliates.  All committees are advisory to the Board. The Board is the decision-making body of the Federation.

A profie of Board members is coming soon!

Executive Support

The IAP2 team consists of an Executive Director, Moira Deslandes who works from WiIllunga, South Australia, Australia; with support staff in the USA, UK and in Australia.