The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) was established in 1990 as a nonprofit corporation to advance the practice of public participation. IAP2 is an association of members who seek to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that effect 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 is run by an internal Board of Directors with a broad range of experience in the development and implementation of public participation programs. Our international headquarters and Executive Director are located in Alexandria, Virginia.
IAP2 Headquarters
PO Box 10146
Alexandria VA 22310 USA
Voice: (703) 971-0090
or (800) 644-4273 in North America
Fax: (703) 971-0006
Email: iap2hq@pin.org
History and Who We Are
IAP2, founded in 1990 as the International Association of Public Participation Practitioners (IAP3), responds to the rising interest globally in public participation. The founders of IAP2 intended 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, including professionals and volunteers, 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 that looks beyond the formal practitioner to include all people involved in public participation. In 1996, IAP2 changed its name to reflect this diversity and inclusiveness of our membership. The organization has grown from 300 members in 1992 to more than 1,000 in 1999, drawn from 23 countries.
Conferences have taken place every year since 1992, alternating between U.S. and Canadian locales. IAP2 has added a semi-annual journal, web site, and local chapters to its list of services.
Also in 1996, IAP2 hired a new Executive Director and moved its headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Alexandria, Virginia. We are now organized around a high caliber board of directors, a strong international headquarters, eighteen world wide chapters, and several member committees, all contributing to the ongoing success of IAP2.
Board of Directors. IAP2 is directed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors from Australia, Canada, Korea, and the United States . The Board is elected at-large by the membership; officers are elected by the Board. Board members serve three-year terms.
International Office. IAP2's international office is located in Alexandria, Virginia. The Executive Director and support staff provide the management and administration of the organization.
Chapters. Our sixteen chapters throughout the world provide speakers, training, and networking through regular meetings, workshops and newsletters.There is no additional charge for chapter memberships.
Comittees. Several committees of IAP2 members assist in the mission of IAP2 in such areas as the annual conference, board member nominations, chapter development, publications, and international activities.