On August 13 and 14th the Great Lakes Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation is offering two full days of training in Madison, Wisconsin. On August 13, the Chapter presents “Using Online Tools to Support Public Participation” and on August 14th, the Chapter presents “Affirmative Design - Inclusive Public Participation in Diverse Communities.” Each training is $175 each or $325 for both days. Training Location: Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53706. For more information and registration, visit http://www.iap2.org/cde.cfm?event=173523. Or read on for more detailed descriptions of the workshops.

Monday August 13, 2007: Using Online Tools to Support Public Participation

The internet has opened up new opportunities for increased public participation, and choosing the right tool is critical to success. This course combines hands-on tours of online tools and methods with discussions, a “Tool Selection Criteria Grid” to examine each tool’s purpose, use, potential issues, and impacts, and practice developing online participation plans. Limited to 40 participants, 2 per computer station. More info: http://www.iap2.org/associations/4748/files/Monday.pdf

Trainers: Tim Erickson, E-Democracy.Org & Anne Carroll, Carroll, Franck & Associates

Tuesday August 14, 2007: Affirmative Design - Inclusive Public Participation in Diverse Communities

This advanced course teaches “Affirmative Design” for inclusive public participation. Included are taped segments of a broad range of voices describing what it feels like when their unique situation or perspective is unintentionally marginalized, excluded, or ignored. Working from cases, participants will ID stakeholders and use design tools to practice Affirmative Design, and learn how to evaluate process to make real-time changes. More info: http://www.iap2.org/associations/4748/files/Tuesday.pdf

Trainer: Anne Carroll, Carroll, Franck & Associates