Applying Methods - Hosted by IAP2 Canada

Either "Fundamentals of Public Participation and Engagement (Level 1 practitioners)" or "IAP2 Way in Challenging Contexts (Level 2 practitioners)" is a prerequisite for this course. Learn more

Applying Methods is a Level 2 course that focuses on exploring a variety of methods used in implementing public participation and engagement and considers how to design and integrate those methods into the public participation and engagement practice process. Participants will learn to select, assess and create effective elements of methods to work meaningfully with participants.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Course Objectives: 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify a range of methods that can be used for various engagement purposes and processes, and strategies to select the most appropriate method/s for an engagement project/process
• Research, design and test a face to face and/or online method using a range of tools and resources
• Apply the four steps of designing a method to incorporate the eight key components of method design
• Develop rational and experiential aims
• Design an appropriate format
• Design questions and process
• Develop appropriate communications
• Combine methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives and test for appropriate sequencing
• Incorporate inclusivity and diversity principles
• Identify data management needs, evaluation points and measures
• Identify resources required
• Explore a variety of both face to face and online methods/techniques that include a nested structure of different methods (e.g. deliberative processes, Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space Technology)
• Analyze the specific engagement requirements for online and digital methods, identify and select appropriate platforms and tools to meet needs, and strategies to sequence these methods for delivery
• Identify principles for monitoring online activity
• Test the design by running elements of the method and submitting for peer review using a checklist
• Apply methods to achieve engagement goals and objectives including using effective communication skills, and test for appropriate sequencing
• Design key messages and know how to use communication tools that build trust and integrity, and meet the needs of diverse audiences

Target Audience: 

• Practitioners with some public participation and engagement practice experience who are looking to cement their knowledge and skills

Course Delivery:

Online and hosted by IAP2 Canada.

Prerequisite:

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Our Licensed Trainers:

 over 20 years of public engagement experience and has been a licensed trainer of the IAP2 Foundations and IAP2 for Decision Makers courses since 2011. She has worked in a variety of areas such as legislation, policy and program development, health, contaminated sites, heritage conservation, municipal budgeting, land use planning, affordable housing, education and more. Tannis has diverse experience engaging communities, interest groups, non-government organizations, professional and industry associations, academics, patient groups and Indigenous peoples. She often finds herself planning and facilitating projects where there are potential impacts to health, livelihood, relationships, community and quality of life.

Patricia Quinn-Nichols is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience (16 yrs in municipal government) leading or supporting diverse community-focused initiatives. Known for her ability to navigate complexity and align diverse stakeholder interests, Patricia consistently delivers results on high-profile projects with defined timelines. Her values-driven leadership is rooted in integrity, inclusiveness, and collaboration. Patricia’s deep understanding of the significance of meaningful engagement and the critical role people play in shaping decisions, actions, and outcomes has been central to her success in achieving positive, lasting results.

Patricia has collaborated with organizations on projects that have garnered both national and international acclaim, including receiving the IAP2 Canada 2014 Organization of the Year Award and the IAF Platinum Facilitation Impact Award. Working in both municipal government and consulting, she has spearheaded significant initiatives in engagement, facilitation, project management, change management, organizational transformation, and strategy and policy review and development.