Dialogue Partners and IAIA Training

Course Description

This course will dive into what it really means to host and implement public or stakeholder engagement that matters — from building a strong foundation in engagement principles to knowing how to navigate the tensions and controversy that naturally arise when people and organizations are impacted.

This course brings together two essential IAP2 learning experiences, into one integrated program. It is designed for practitioners who want to strengthen both the strategy and the humanity of their engagement practice. Through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and reflective peer learning, participants will:

• Define what public participation and engagement are—and what makes them effective and ethical in practice.

• Explore the benefits, risks, and common misconceptions of engagement, and the role of leadership in building trust.

• Apply IAP2’s Core Values, Spectrum, and Practice Framework to design intentional, values-based participation processes.

• Examine the roots and dynamics of conflict, including emotional triggers, power, and influence.

• Develop practical skills in active listening, empathy, and de-escalation to manage conflict constructively.

• Learn to identify the early signs of tension and address them before they escalate.

• Strengthen your ability to create inclusive engagement processes that hold space for differing perspectives and foster mutual understanding.

By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to design and lead participation processes that are grounded in IAP2’s globally recognized frameworks—building trust, inclusion, and collaboration even in the face of conflict or controversy.