Conference Program

Scholarship Opportunities

Session Descriptions / Descriptions de session

Note: The sessions for the 2024 IAP2 NAC are listed in alphabetical order. Please refer to the conference program for information regarding session dates and times.

A Facilitator’s Journey: Designing Processes to Bring Communities into a Threshold of Trust that Empowers Change

Presented by: Stacee Adams, Duke Richardson

This interactive session highlights a case study of facilitation work done in a historically underserved community on Salt Lake City's west side and the unique approaches required to help minority populations reclaim their community identity despite preconceived notions from government agencies.

After an overview of the real-life example, participants will be split up into groups and provided with different scenarios to respond to using the techniques covered in the presentation. Participants will have a chance to design a tailored facilitation approach with their group, after which the entire session will debrief together to hear from the other groups and discuss. We’ll close with lessons learned from the real-life example and open the time up for questions and discussion from the group.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Tailoring your facilitation approach to the project/community at hand.
• Using facilitation to help community members assert/reclaim their identity outside of how they are perceived by government agencies.
• Understanding the power of facilitated dialogues to build trust and influence future opportunities for change.

Artificial Intelligence: Its Potential and Ethics in Public Participation Practice

Presented by: Morgan Boyco MCIP RPP, Dr. Pamela Robinson MCIP RPP

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are poised to have profound practical and ethical implications for the process of decision-making in democratic societies. However, public participation practitioners and the communities we work with are not powerless in the face of these rapid technological advancements. Equipped with a foundational understanding of the technology, a sound ethical framework rooted in the core values long promoted by IAP2, and actionable guidelines, policymakers, P2 practitioners, and AI developers can better support the responsible integration of AI in public participation processes.

We recently explored the potential and ethics of AI encounters in public participation in a research paper for IAP2 Canada. As AI technologies continue their rapid pace of development, this workshop will bring our research to practitioners and provide a space for a collective conversation. This dialogue will allow all participants to share wisdom, experiences, ethical quandaries, and all other big questions about AI for P2. Working with IAP2 and the practitioners in attendance, and building on our recent and ongoing research, we hope to use this session to lay the groundwork for building a new AI P2 community of practice.

Key Learning Objectives:

• The workshop will be a collective and grounded exploration of one of the most significant technological innovations of our time, examining the current trends, challenges, and best practices related to AI use for P2. The session presentation and discussions will provide participants with a better understanding of AI’s potential and risks as a tool to augment democratic dialogue and collaboration.
• Together, participants will explore and assert the role of P2 (and P2 practitioners) in democracy during a time when trust and even democracy itself are undoubtedly being impacted, and perhaps threatened, by radical advancements in AI technology.
• Making connections by laying the groundwork for an AI in P2 community of practice and research network.

Becoming an Engagement Coach: Listening, Learning and Coaching for More and Better Community Engagement

Presented by: Jessica Delaney, Kristi Merilees

Many engagement professionals are challenged in how to incorporate and solicit the needs of the many in a process. This workshop seeks to leverage the learnings and approaches of coaching and pair it with the IAP2 Core values to launch the concept of the engagement coach.

Key Learning Objectives:

• To increase familiarity and relevance between coaching and engagement.
• To increase awareness and introductory practice related to coaching skills that can be used as an engagement coach.
• To explore and practice key approaches in real scenarios so as to build confidence in participants ability to be “coach-like” when working with key parties in designing, planning and implementing engagement processes.

Building Authenticity Skills and Practices for Corporate Social Responsibility & Indigenous Engagement

Presented by: Katlan Holman, Caoimhe Laird

We believe that organizations can benefit from understanding that profit & reputation driven engagement with Indigenous Communities does not support the requirements of the TRC, UNDRIP, or Indigenous Reconciliation. However, if they take a more authentic partnership approach, they can support Indigenous Communities and still profit from business conducted on Indigenous Lands. This develops a stronger, more sustainable future for resource and land development in Canada and the Indigenous Communities.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand that every negotiation situation, no matter how contentious or seemingly unapproachable, can be navigated by being open, authentic, and changing the dialogue from me vs. you to us vs. the problem. This is a common practice and theory in conflict management and used often to de-escalate polarizing or volatile conversations and issues.
• Participants will be presented with research that demonstrates the benefit of working with Indigenous communities to support social economic development for the sake of benefiting the community is more impactful than engaging for CSR reputation or investor attraction.
• Participants will be given the basic skills to identify the 3 types of relationships in engagement and be given tools to address those relationships in any environment - personal, work, external relations, consultation, or simply being able to talk about the conflicts and polarization in the world today.

Building Trust, Building Acceptance and Building Transit Infrastructure

Presented by: Lauren Reaman, Avril Fisken

Transit is not built in a day. It typically takes years – even decades – to plan, construct, and launch transit projects. We know that any new transit system is best planned and constructed with input from the community, but how do you spark community interest and input from the outset of the plan? And how do you gather input and maintain engagement over the many – sometimes difficult – years that it takes to bring the vision to reality?

Focusing on a variety of high-profile transit projects, our interactive presentation will share ways to get and keep key stakeholders involved and onboard new transit developments – from project inception, through planning, construction and testing/ commissioning.

Key Learning Objectives:

By exploring real-world examples and interactive tools, audience members will leave knowing how to:

• Evaluate strategies for maintaining community interest and soliciting input in the planning phases of transit infrastructure projects
• Build trust by providing multiple forums to receive community’s concerns, and addressing those concerns in ways that meet the objectives of both the community and the project - Embrace new ideas and leading technologies to reach a wider audience—particularly future riders who expect online conversations and are comfortable interacting digitally.

Canada's Five Pillars of Democracy: A Fireside Chat on P2

A moderated conversation among Canada’s ‘Five Levels of Government’ in a casual (‘fireside’) setting enabling audience participation.

Key Learning Objectives:

This session will help participants in their development toward the following learning outcomes:

• Gain appreciation for the varying context for, and perspectives on, P2 practice among governance sectors in Canada. This will be of value to those who work in or with any of the profiled sectors, whether in Canada or elsewhere.
• Learn to recognize the implications of organizational policies on the practice of P2 through the exploration of limitations. This will be of value to those who plan/lead P2 processes as well as those involved on other aspects of public policy.
• Identification of helpful strategies for advancing issues related to DEI, particularly in contexts where controversy is present.
• Acquire information useful for adapting one’s P2 practice for future considerations. This will also be instructive for those involved in other aspects of policy or change management.

Co-Creating the Future With Children and Youth

Presented by: Josh Speedie, Josh Fullan

This interactive session emphasizes the importance of integrating children and youth knowledge and perspectives, emphasizing their adaptability, empathy and creativity. Maximum City case study project highlights:

• YouthScore & KidScore: (what matters to kids and youth in cities and towns with the goal of creating happier, healthier places).
• Orillia Youth Strategy (youth perspectives from community and youth research team).
• iCity - Complete Community Design Challenge (youth community design perspectives).

Maximum City will introduce an interactive activity following the case studies. Maximum City will share children and youth perspectives completing the same interactive activity offering unique and thought-provoking insights into child and youth thought processes and creativity. The session will culminate in a consolidation of key learnings, empowering participants to apply these insights in their personal and professional lives.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Team Collaboration: Through the Interactive Activity, individuals will experience firsthand the importance of leveraging each team member's strengths, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and coordinating efforts to accomplish a shared objective.
• Creative Thinking: The Interactive Activity encourages participants to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
• Value of Youth Perspectives: Hearing from youth perspectives of the same Interactive Activity will demonstrate youth creativity, resilience, collaboration, and diversity of thought in problem-solving.

Collaborative Engagement as a tool to empower underrepresented and equity-denied communities

Presented by: Brooke Atkinson

This session will explore Collaborative Engagement as a tool to empower underrepresented and equity-denied communities to have their voice heard in public policy development and lower barriers to participation in public engagement activities.

To expand reach and enhance engagement on the development of Metro Vancouver’s solid waste management plan, Metro Vancouver (a regional district in BC) recently trialed an initiative called ‘Collaborative Engagement’: providing support and funding to not-for-profit organizations in our community to engage their networks on Metro Vancouver’s behalf. The objective of this initiative was to connect with audiences and organizations who otherwise may not be aware of or have access to opportunities to provide input to Metro Vancouver, including organizations representing underrepresented or equity-denied communities, youth, seniors, urban Indigenous people, and environmental groups.

This is the first time Metro Vancouver has tried this method of engagement. Based on its success we are continuing and enhancing the program for future phases of engagement on the solid waste management plan update.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn about strategies used by other jurisdictions and organizations to partner with community groups to create more effective engagement programs.
• Participants will leave the session with ideas and tools to enrich and expand engagement programs by collaborating with community organizations.
• Participants will have the advantage of understanding the lessons learned by Metro Vancouver in its first iteration of Collaborative Engagement (received via participant feedback surveys), and can take those lessons with them if implementing a similar program.

From Language Access to Language Justice: A Guide for More Inclusive & Just Public Process

Combatting Misinformation: Strategies for Authentic Engagement in a Post-Truth Era

Presented by: Candice Denison

Grasp the Landscape: Understand the current scale, spread, and nuances of misinformation and disinformation and their impacts on engagement initiatives.

Definitions & Distinctions: Understand the differences between misinformation (false/untrue information shared without intent to deceive), disinformation (false information shared with intent to deceive), and malinformation (truthful information shared to cause harm).

Key Learning Objectives: 

• Research-Based Tactics: Learn trusted and effective strategies to counteract misinformation, thereby fostering credibility and trust.
• Understand the Roots of False Belief: Unravel the scientific techniques of denial and the underlying drivers of false belief. Participants will be able to navigate through malicious tactics such as the employment of fake experts, logical fallacies, setting impossible expectations, cherry-picking data, and propagating conspiracy theories.
• Rapid Identification Tools: Gain familiarity with tools and strategies that aid in swiftly pinpointing sources of misinformation

Consulter les enfants à partir de 4 ans ? C’est possible ! (Simultaneous translation available)

Présentatrice: Caroline Schindler

Les enfants sont dans un rapport de pouvoir inégal par rapport aux adultes. Ils vivent l’espace public, mais leur voix n’entre pas en compte dans les décisions prises pour eux. Or, selon la Convention relative aux droits des enfants des Nations Unies, les enfants ont le droit de s’exprimer sur les enjeux qui les concernent, et d’être pris en considération. C’est donc le rôle des adultes de s’adapter à leur âge pour leur permettre d’exprimer leurs opinions.

Lors de cet atelier, vous pourrez explorer vos propres ressources, en apprendre plus sur les droits de l’enfant, et découvrir des méthodologies éprouvées pour des consultations inclusives, adaptées aux enfants de 4 à 12 ans.

Objectifs d'apprentissage clés:

• Pratiquer la P2 de manière plus inclusive en y incluant la voix des enfants
• Prendre conscience des balises méthodologiques nécessaires pour consulter les enfants
• Prendre confiance en ses propres idées pour consulter les enfants

Creating culturally welcoming and safe spaces in health-care facilities

Presented by: Sue Richardson

The In Plain Sight report (Turpel-Lafond, 2020) addresses Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in the B.C. health care system and provides twenty-four recommendations to address these systemic issues.

Learn more about how Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is creating more culturally welcoming and safe spaces for Indigenous communities through the implementation of In Plain Sight recommendation #10:

That design of hospital facilities in B.C. include partnership with local Indigenous peoples and the Nations on whose territories these facilities are located, so that health authorities create culturally appropriate, dedicated physical spaces in health facilities for ceremony and cultural protocol, and visibly include Indigenous artwork, signage and territorial acknowledgment throughout these facilities.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Indigenous Engagement Leader will provide lessons learned, guiding principles, and practical recommendations for engaging with Indigenous communities around implementing Indigenous artwork and engaging on facility design.

Key Learning Objectives:

Indigenous Artwork within health-care facilities: embedding cultural safety and humility principles.

• how to incorporate Indigenous knowledge in facilities through Indigenous artwork
• creating safe spaces to foster reconciliation
• engagement including Indigenous cultural activities

Engagement in the Federal Public Service - Learning From Each Other to Advance P2

Presented by: TBC

The workshop will facilitate dialogue between public servants who lead and manage engagement with members of the public, facilitating connections made between participants and the opportunity to exchange best practices on public participation in shaping policies, programs and decisions in the federal government.

Key Learning Objectives:

• public servants getting to know each other and network
• public servants defining how P2 works in the federal government
• public servants sharing best practices and learning together

From Community Engagement to Community Building

Presented by: Eric Higbee

Sweeping epidemics of polarization, loneliness, and social fragmentation have dramatically transformed the social context for working with communities. How can our community engagement practices rise to this challenge and cultivate social cohesion? How can they not just solicit input, but also bridge identity-groups and create lasting community connections?

Part-lecture, part-workshop, this interactive session will take an interdisciplinary traverse in the search of solutions. We walk through the fertile fields of social psychology to unearth the secret sauce for bridging our group differences and strengthening communities. We’ll look at novel data from the Survey on Community Engagement to understand the barriers and opportunities within our professions. You will leave with a research-based framework for evolving your engagement practices with practical tools matched to our fragmented times.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the social psychological concepts that underpin polarization, “community” and the complexity of social identity.
• Distinguish between engagement practices that merely solicit input versus practices that create social cohesion
• Employ community engagement techniques that foster place-based connection, tolerance, and belonging across different identity groups.

From Language Access to Language Justice: A Guide for More Inclusive & Just Public Process

Presented by: Sasha Parodi, Najee Nunnally

This session would be an opportunity for Community Engagement Practitioners to come together to discuss the challenges, priorities and shared practices of incorporating Language & Communications Access into the public process. MAPC has been doing research and ongoing work the past two years to better understand the challenge of incorporating language access into the local level in government and public process. As part of this work, we have developed a Language Access guide: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/language-access-guide/. This session would explore key takeaways from the guide, as well as have plenty of interactive time to hear from one another and work together to address the challenges or questions participants may be facing in their own work.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn at least one new practice, strategy or initiative to advance Language Access in the public process.
• Develop a better understanding of how sustainable investment in Language & Communication access can strengthen the social and leadership fabric of communities.
• Connect with other practitioners in the space who care about advancing Language Justice in their work.

Hands-on Help - Become a CP3

Presented by: Gay Robinson, Brenda Pichette, Wendy Lowe

In order to shape the future of engagement, practitioners need to be recognized as professionals. You can build confidence and recognition by attaining your IAP2 professional designation - Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3). This credential effectively documents IAP2’s endorsement of your professional standing, knowledge and skills. And it's a testament to your commitment to excellence in engagement.

This interactive session will help you be successful! Certification Assessors and CP3s from IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA will provide tips and coaching to assist you with the application process. Gain a better understanding of the core competencies, learn which project examples will best showcase your skills, and get the inside scoop on what the assessors look for in your application.

Our profession needs more CP3s. Let us help you become one!

Key Learning Objectives:

After attending this session, participants will:

• Be able to articulate the three steps of the Certification Assessment process
• Understand the Certification core competencies and related criteria
• Be able to select work project examples that provide evidence of their knowledge and skills

Keynote Panel: The Role of Community Engagement in Re-Envisioning Communities and the Way We Live in a Changing World

Moderated by: Catherine Rockandel, CP3, CPF

A cross Canada panel of planners with diverse experience explore the need for more strategic intent in improving the tenor of community dialogue and engagement. The discussion digs into the importance of bringing an empathetic, social justice perspective to City Planning, Housing & Community Development, Reconciliation, and Indigenous engagement projects. The panel will share insights and best practices for re-envisioning communities and the way we live in a changing world; and (importantly) involving community in dilemma sharing of the complex challenges that make up the social, cultural, and biophysical fabric of the world within and around us.

La seule stratégie nécessaire en participation publique est une stratégie de curiosité! Une discussion autour du feu // The only strategy needed in public participation is a strategy of curiosity! A discussion around the fire

Présenter / Presenter: Hugo Mimee

L’équipe Participation du public d’Hydro-Québec offre une session interactive qui vise à identifier des pistes innovantes pour placer la participation publique au cœur de la construction de notre avenir énergétique. La session portera spécifiquement sur le côté incontournable des nouveaux projets de production d’électricité dans les prochaines années, sur la vitesse accélérée à laquelle ces projets devront être déployés pour réussir la transition énergétique, et sur les défis que ce contexte peut représenter en matière de participation publique. À la suite d'une présentation du plan d'Hydro-Québec, l’activité invitera les participantes et participants à se projeter dans le futur afin de réfléchir à des méthodes audacieuses d’engager les parties prenantes dans les projets liés à la transition énergétique.

The Public Participation team at Hydro-Québec is offering an interactive session aimed at identifying innovative avenues to place public participation at the heart of shaping our energy future. The session will specifically focus on the indispensable nature of new electricity production projects in the coming years, the accelerated pace at which these projects will need to be deployed to succeed in the energy transition, and the challenges this context may pose regarding public participation. Following a presentation of Hydro-Québec's plan, the activity will invite participants to envision the future and brainstorm bold methods of engaging stakeholders in projects related to the energy transition.

Objectifs d'apprentissage clés:

• Découvrir de nouveaux outils
• Apprendre de nouvelles méthodes
• Partager les expériences des participant-es

Key Learning Objectives:

• Discover new tools
• Learn new methods
• Share participants’ experiences

Leaders’ Innovation Lab: Building Buy-in and Accountability for High-Stakes Engagements using Gamification

Presented by: Precious Ile, MA, PMP, CEC

Ever worked on an engagement project or facilitated a stakeholder meeting where conflicting or polarizing perspectives kept the project from moving forward? Does building buy-in, trust, and accountability feel like an uphill battle resulting in project delays or loss of key relationships? Looking for innovative strategies to guide you in overcoming these challenges?

This interactive innovation lab invites leaders, public participation practitioners, industry, or project professionals to engage in creative design thinking using gamification and storytelling strategies to build bridges, overcome these challenges, and move your project or community forward. Drawing on our collective wisdom and presenter’s consulting and public engagement experience locally and globally across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, you will experiment with creative and innovative methods to apply to your next high-stakes engagement.

Key Learning Objectives:

By participating in this workshop, you will:

• experiment with gamification and co-design innovation principles and methods to confidently navigate challenges with lack of buy-in, trust, or accountability in high-stakes engagements.
• gain nuanced insights on building buy-in, trust, and accountability, particularly in multi-stakeholder engagements or intercultural project contexts.
• connect with colleagues on stories of success, setbacks, and lessons learned in trying new or out-of-the box engagement methods and how you might apply your learnings to your next high stakes engagement project.

Les effets de la variable linguistique dans un contexte de bilinguisme officiel en situation de démocratie numérique ? Le cas de la ville de Moncton, Nouveau-Brunswick, CANADA  (Simultaneous translation available)

Présentatrice:  Christine C. Paulin

Notre recherche qualitative a été menée auprès d’acteurs gouvernementaux et non gouvernementaux, dont les décideurs, les fonctionnaires et des citoyens ayant joué un rôle dans la configuration des instruments numériques (comité de citoyens). Les constats de recherche témoignent leur vécu et leurs perspectives (Sous-thème 1). De plus, notre recherche aborde la question de la variable linguistique et de son influence sur le design des instruments P2 et des politiques publiques qui en découlent, et ce, en contexte de participation numérique (Sous-thème 2). Le format de livraison de l’atelier proposé suggère une mobilisation inclusive et équitable, de sorte à faire connaître les résultats du cas à l’étude, mais également à discuter des diverses expériences et coconstruire des stratégies qui reflètent cette diversité linguistique de notre société (Sous-thème 3). Enfin, puisque le cas à l’étude se déroule au sein de la ville de Moncton (palier municipale), il met en évidence le rôle de la P2 (numérique) en contexte de gouvernance publique (Sous-thème 6).

Objectifs d'apprentissage clés:

• Mieux comprendre la notion de bilinguisme officiel en situation de démocratie numérique et ses enjeux dans le contexte public (dont le palier municipal – proximité avec les citoyens)
• Savoir comment gérer efficacement le bilinguisme officiel en contexte de gouvernance démocratique (ses opportunités, ses défis, ses freins, ses leviers, etc.)
• Appliquer des stratégies pour renforcer et promouvoir le bilinguisme officiel en contexte organisationnel (à partir de la littérature dans ce domaine et des constats qui découlent de notre recherche sur le cas de la ville de Moncton, N.-B., CANADA)
• Intervenir lors de l’ingénierie d’instruments de démocratie numérique, en ciblant notamment les enjeux par rapport à la dynamique linguistique et la participation équitable de/des minorités linguistiques

Navigating Complexity: Engagement to Drive Change Amid Tragedy and Division

Presented by: Sarah Young, Sarah Simpson

This session will explore the approach including guiding principles and engagement activities and outcomes of the Mass Casualty Commission, the public inquiry held to examine the April 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia, Canada’s largest mass shooting. Facing challenges including the sensitive nature of the mandate, operating during the Covid-19 pandemic, the increasing distrust in institutions, and the limitations of a legal process, the Commission’s engagement team focused on driving substantive, long-lasting societal change. Through innovative engagement, communication, and outreach strategies, the Commission has set new precedents for public inquiries and associated processes across Canada, with insights to be drawn for other organizations.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Approaching communications and engagement within a legal or regulated process
• Integrating trauma-informed practices into engagement
• Generating change for complex societal challenges through engagement with a long-term approach to build accountability and collaboration

Our Plan Toronto: An Equitable Engagement Approach

Presented by: Kristin Lillyman

The City of Toronto has been reviewing their Official Plan which is a planning document that acts as a road map for land use matters. This review process was named “Our Plan Toronto” to reflect that it was going to be a plan made by and for Torontonians. Throughout, participants shared their thoughts and aspirations for Toronto’s future. The engagement approach was designed to reach equity deserving groups and amplify Indigenous voices through a variety of tactics including phone and email, ArcGIS StoryMaps, youth engagement kits, Community Leaders Circle, Indigenous outreach and meetings. The input received directly informed the outcomes in the new Chapter 1 of the Official Plan that will set the tone for future land use planning in Toronto.

Key Learning Objectives:

• An approach to reaching and hearing from equity deserving populations through a Community Leaders Circle, and empowering the leaders to engage their respective communities.
• A relationship-based approach to meeting with and hearing from Indigenous Rights Holders and urban Indigenous communities.
• The outcomes of the approach that directly influenced the City of Toronto’s Official Plan (a key document that will share the future of the city), that amplified voices who are often left out of these policy discussions.

Powering a Green Nova Scotia, Together

Presented by: Susan Smith

Nova Scotia is in the midst of an historic energy transition, and support from the communities we’re working in is essential to meet our shared environmental goals. This workshop would focus on the community and stakeholder engagement Nova Scotia Power has committed to for one of our clean energy projects – the development of three grid-scale battery sites in three communities across Nova Scotia.

This project involved three different communities across Nova Scotia, and is the first of its kind in the province. It will explore how starting with priority stakeholders and involving the community early helped gain project support, essential for the potential approval of the project.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Community Engagement Strategy – a look at best practices and what tactics have led to success for the project.
• The importance of engagement during the clean energy transition – how we’re getting communities involved on our historic energy transition.
• Partnering with First Nations – How the project created a unique investment opportunity for First Nation communities.

Practices for Community-led design and development of Affordable Housing in Canada (Simultaneous translation available)

Presented by: TBC

CMHC will host a fireside chat with leading practitioners in participatory design within the housing ecosystem. The conversation will highlight projects that prioritized robust community co-design and governance practices to successfully realize the development of culturally appropriate affordable housing and third spaces in Canadian communities. Come learn how these innovators activated this work for greater impact and test out some of the methods in real time!

Key Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to speak more fluently about the importance of community engagement and co-design in the planning, design and development of affordable housing in Canada
• Participants will be able to replicate/adopt core principles and practices within their own communities, whether as engaged members at a planning consultation, or as leaders is spearheading community-led housing movements/projects.
• Participants will know where to find key resources and opportunities to support their involvement in affordable housing decision-making within their communities

Rebuilding Trust with 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities Through Dialogue

Presented by: Ellis Westwood, Fae Johnstone, Terrie Foster

At the overall thematic level, the workshop is focused on how Canadian Blood Service is engaging with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to shape the future of relationships with queer and trans communities, the future of our donors and of patient care through a more inclusive blood system. In terms of sub-themes, the workshop will foster participant learning and dialogue about how P2 sponsors and hosts can take inclusive and equitable approaches to engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as well as other equity-deserving communities, and more broadly, build bridges by rebuilding relationships of trust where there had previously been hurt and mistrust.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Increased cultural competency engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ and other equity-deserving communities.
• Increased understanding of how dialogue can be used to repair low-trust relationships between P2 sponsors or hosts, and participant community segments.
• Practical suggestions about the work P2 host organizations need to do before designing new engagement processes for 2SLGBTQIA+ and other equity-deserving communities.

Seize Today, Shape Tomorrow: Collaborative Intelligence in Engagement and Facilitation

Presented by: Khatereh (Khat) Baharikhoob

The session explores collaborative intelligence, highlighting the synergy between human (HI) and artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced facilitation and outcomes. It addresses AI's impact on democratic urbanism engagement, emphasizing three pivotal 'I's: Integration, Insights, and Inclusivity. Real-life examples underscore the need to adapt to "new norms" by leveraging AI while understanding its limitations.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the transformative potential of Collaborative Intelligence in enhancing engagement and facilitation practices;
• Explore the responsible and ethical use of AI tools to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in engagement processes; and,
• Learn how to leverage AI capabilities to optimize engagement materials, and facilitation techniques, and foster a more inclusive and accommodating environment for participants.

Shaping the Future of Land Use Planning: Beyond the Public Hearing (Simultaneous translation available)

Presented by: Nicole Armos, Amina Yasin

Canadian municipalities are increasingly making significant land-use decisions to address the housing crisis, however, legislated public hearing processes often become performative exercises of public participation that exacerbate societal divisions, increase distrust and disincentive affordable housing development.

In this interactive session, learn from the findings of the Renovate the Public Hearing Initiative, a $2.5 million CMHC-funded program led by Amina Yasin, Director of Planning and Public Hearings at Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue that has spent the last two years researching, piloting and evaluating innovative approaches to public participation in land use planning. Learn about evidence-based solutions that tackle inequity and increase inclusion, reduce risk in pre-development, and enhance democratic resilience, ranging from procedural changes within public hearings to robust models of upstream engagement such as Residents’ Assemblies and digital engagement platforms.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the challenges and inequities inherent to traditional legislated public hearing processes, and the impact these have on housing affordability and democratic resilience
• Hear evidence-based trends and insights on public hearing requirements and procedures from across Canadian jurisdictions
• Learn about innovative approaches to strengthen equity and meaningful public participation in land-use decisions

Tales from the Trenches: the uncanny adventures of a public engagement professional

Presented by: Anne Harding, Kim Hyshka

To do this work well, we need a community and none of us should go it alone. Each of us benefits when we are surrounded by mentors, leaders, inspiring colleagues and friends that push us to be our best selves and also catch us when we fall.

Our invitation to you is to come join a conversation. That’s right, a conversation; no slides, no presentations, but rather an opportunity to build a story, our story, together: the story of public and community engagement professionals in 2024. You’re invited to join us to both reflect and contribute. Come prepared to share one thing you’ve experienced and one thing you wish you knew about one of the conference sub-themes. These tales will be woven together into a work of art to be shared with the broader IAP2 community. Regardless of whether you have one or many tales from the public engagement trenches - we need you here!

Key Learning Objectives:

Expect to walk away with:

• A tangible creative expression of conference participants’ wisdom as individual practitioners and a community of professionals
• At least 2 colleagues you feel comfortable and confident calling the next time you need it
• Fresh insights and a sense of shared experiences related to mental health, self care, burnout, and resilience in the P2 profession
• An appreciation for the many stories of P2 professionals, including diverse career paths and development experiences

The power of vulnerability to create meaning in community engagement

Presented by: Sara Gene, Teresa Romero

Strategic Earth Consulting invites you to discover the power of vulnerability in fostering trust and deeper connection with marginalized communities. As community engagement practitioners, we embrace vulnerability because of its ability to “build bridges and cross divides” (subtheme 5). Inspired by researcher and author Brené Brown, we believe that vulnerability — the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure — is a skill that can be learned. Our session offers real-world insights from case studies where vulnerability increased connection, collaboration, and equity with Indigenous communities (subthemes 3 and 4), and cases where resistance created barriers. Gain confidence with practical tools and techniques, and the stories, experiences, and wisdom of other practitioners to embrace vulnerability for more meaningful engagement.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand that vulnerability is a skill that can be learned and is especially important when connecting with marginalized communities for more meaningful engagement.
• Demonstrate that when vulnerability is applied to community engagement, there is the possibility of creating deeper connections, strengthening trust, inviting bravery, receiving more meaningful stories and feedback, and increasing equity in processes.
• Learn from each other specific tools and techniques that create vulnerability and become aware of our personal protective armor and other barriers.

Transformation urbaine collaborative : Conditions de succès d’une Cohorte citoyenne mobilisée

Présentateurs: Alex Fortin, Sophie Sayad, Paulina Norwicka

Construire des ponts, dépasser les clivages: L'atelier explore les mécanismes de mobilisation et de collaboration d'une cohorte citoyenne qui s'avère une avenue intéressante pour aborder des projets polarisants. En favorisant la construction d'une compréhension profonde des enjeux, la promotion de la compréhension mutuelle, et la facilitation d'un dialogue constructif, elle permet une délibération éclairée, contribuant ainsi à surmonter les conflits et à favoriser la collaboration. Rôle de la p2 dans la démocratie: En encourageant la formation d'une cohorte citoyenne, l'atelier demande aux participants un niveau élevé d'engagement et de responsabilité dans la gouvernance. Sensibilisés aux enjeux de la prise de décision, les membres de la cohorte deviennent des ambassadeurs du projet, contribuant ainsi à renforcer la confiance et la responsabilité dans la gouvernance urbaine.

Objectifs d'apprentissage clés: 

• Réfléchir aux avantages, aux risques et aux contextes propices à la création d’une cohorte citoyenne.
• Identifier les conditions de succès à une cohorte citoyenne apte à délibérer collectivement pour émettre des recommandations.
• Explorer l’application des principes d'équité, de diversité et d'inclusion dans la formation de la cohorte citoyenne, en considération des répercussions sur sa représentativité et son pouvoir d’influence sur l’approche de participation publique.

Translating Community Voices into Actionable Insights with AI: Durham, NC (Simultaneous translation available)

Presented by: Ethan Walker, Amber Wells, Laura Biediger

How might new technologies and AI tools enable a more human-centered approach to community engagement?

This session will review how the City of Durham’s Community Engagement Team has built an accessible repository of resident stories to promote a more responsive and transparent policy-making process. Participants will learn how new AI-supported analysis tools can 1. help city staff more quickly identify policy-relevant themes from conversations and 2. encourage deeper conversations with community members that help build trusting relationships with the city.

Then, participants will explore how to apply these tools and methods in their own communities to amplify underheard voices, support more equitable engagement, and generate more useful and informative data.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Apply AI-Enhanced Tools for Community Engagement: Participants will understand how to implement AI and digital technologies in their community engagement efforts, enhancing the efficiency and depth of public participation. They will learn to utilize these tools not just for data collection but as a means to foster a more inclusive, responsive dialogue with community members, leading to a more nuanced understanding of community needs and concerns.
• Design Equitable Engagement Strategies: Attendees will gain the skills to design and implement engagement strategies that ensure equitable participation across diverse community groups. They will learn to identify and address barriers to participation, using technology to uncover and amplify underrepresented voices in the policy-making process, thereby contributing to more inclusive community outcomes.
• Translate Community Feedback into Actionable Policy Insights: Participants will be equipped with methods to efficiently analyze community feedback, using AI-supported tools to quickly identify policy-relevant themes and insights. They will learn how to translate these insights into actionable policy recommendations, improving the responsiveness and transparency of decision-making processes, and ultimately fostering stronger trust and collaboration between communities and city officials.

YES AND … How Improv can improve your practice of P2/Engagement

Presented by: Kim Hyshka

Many of us have been well trained to look for what doesn’t work. Ever catch yourself responding to community members’ novel ideas or concerns with “Yes, BUT”, without considering what values, hopes, fears or beliefs are driving it? It’s no surprise – our organizations highly value “problem spotters and solvers”. Yet this can narrow our world so that all we see are our ideas and our ways of doing things.

What if we focused on the skill of “value spotting” – where all engagement practitioners were proficient at spotting and enhancing other people’s values, inviting collaboration and co-creation? Taking our cues from the theatre world, join us for an interactive, activational and dynamic session where knowing how to Improv will improve your engagement practice!

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn (and experience) value spotting vs problem spotting/solving and how best used to improve P2/engagement
• Introduce the basics of improvisation and connect to the value spotting practice
• Experience of variety of unique p2/engagement tools to bring back and incorporate into your toolbox
• Walk away with the knowledge, mind-set and heart-set to incorporate this tool to effectively work at the leading edge of the P2/engagement practice

Youth-Led Solutions: The Role of Youth Engagement in Shaping Our Futures

Presented by: Miley Leong, Rowan Gentleman-Sylvester

When was the last time you engaged young people in your projects? Wonder why youth voices are always missing from the conversation? Struggle to get youth in the room? Wondering whether the projects and decisions you’ve worked on serve the generations that will inherit the consequences?

Young people are at the front lines of today’s most complex issues from the housing and affordability crisis, climate change, the opioid poisoning crisis, and many overlapping systemic issues. At the same time, youth are a demographic that is frequently left out of decision-making despite being left to live with the consequences the longest.

Join us for a workshop that explores how our engagement practices can be more inclusive of all ages and how centering youth in our engagements can support us in shaping a better, more resilient, and sustainable future. As award-winning youth engagement specialists, CityHive will be tapping into our years of experience and share lessons learned on youth engagement. Participants will walk away with clear examples, tools, and strategies to take back into your own engagement practice.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Participants will develop a clearer understanding of the current barriers for youth to access and participate in our standard civic engagement processes (ie. Town Hall meetings & Open Houses)
• Participants will brainstorm, ideate, and explore creative and innovative youth engagement with peers for their own engagement contexts
• Participants will ideate new approaches to community engagement that work to dismantle those barriers and serve/reach diverse communities and demographics