BOARD OF DIRECTORS

One New, Two Returning Members Elected to Midwest Board

One new and two returning members have been elected to the IAP2 USA Midwest Chapter Board of Directors. Those elected to the board include:

Michelle Bennett, Community Engagement Specialist at the City of Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI
Andrea Gebhart, Community Engagement Manager at JEO Consulting Group in Lincoln, NE
Dan Pfeiffer, Senior Engagement Manager at Zan Associates in Minneapolis, MN

The outcome of the 2022 Chapter Election was confirmed during the Board's monthly meeting in November. Michelle, Andrea, and Dan will be seated in January 2023 to serve three-year terms (2023-2025).

2023 SPRING CONFERENCE

Working to Develop a Dynamic Agenda

The theme for the 2023 Spring Conference will be Meeting People Where They Are in Public Participation, and the Conference Committee is working hard to develop an informative and dynamic agenda. See below for opportunities to share your knowledge and experience.

Call for Session Proposals

Please consider sharing YOUR experience and expertise at the 2023 Spring Conference by responding to our call for conference session proposals

As you consider what session you could contribute to the Meeting People Where They Are theme, consider:

Delivering purposeful, accessible, and relevant engagement that meets the needs of both participants and projects.
Working respectfully and effectively across cultures, languages, backgrounds.
Adapting to changing participant lifestyles, interests, and priorities.
Using innovative and relevant approaches, relationships, tools, and techniques that enhance engagement.
Creating a culture of ethical, equity-centered P2 within organizations and groups.
Dealing effectively with conflict, community trauma, and distrust.

Sessions addressing other P2 challenges and opportunities are also welcome.

Proposals are due by Friday, January 6, 2023. at 11 a.m. CT.

Interested in presenting but not sure where to start?
We're here to help!

Midwest Board Members Anne, Heather, and Josie are all willing to brainstorm with you and advise on progressing an idea, preparing a proposal, and developing content. Reach out to any one of them!

Want to help review session proposals?

A 2023 Conference Session Review Committee will be assembled to review the proposals received, assist in selecting session topics, and help identify any gaps in the proposed session topics. The anticipated time commitment is two to four hours, Contact Heather if you are interested in serving on the review committee.

Call for Pre-Conference Training Sessions

The 2023 Conference is planned for May 3-5, 2023, with sessions beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, May 3. To extend the opportunity for professional development, the Conference Committee is looking for two or three interactive and engaging trainings that could be offered the morning of Wednesday, May 3. It is anticipated these trainings would be an optional add-on for conference attendees.

For more information, review the Pre-Conference Training Proposal Submission Form.

Pre-conference training proposals are due January 16, 2023, by 9 p.m. CT.

Join the Conference as a Sponsor

Conference sponsorship offers an opportunity to demonstrate your organization's commitment to meaningful public participation (P2), as well as share your organization's mission and message with other P2-minded professionals from across the Midwest.

The various sponsorship levels and included benefits are detailed below (click on the image to see it full size):

There are also opportunities to sponsor breaks, meals, and networking events. Contact board member Dan Pfeiffer to learn more.

Become a Sponsor Today!

Dates: May 3-5, 2023
Location: Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Theme: Meeting People Where They Are in Public Participation
Call for Session Proposals: Available now, due Friday, January 6, 2023
Call for Pre-Conference Training Proposals: Available now, due Monday, January 16, 2023

Additional information will be provided as it is available.

The 2022 Spring Conference, themed Breaking Down Walls: Meeting the Challenge of Inclusion in Public Participation, was held May 4-6, 2022 at the Eagan Community Center in Eagan, MN. Visit the conference website for more information.

Do you know someone who might be interested in these updates? Be sure to forward this email along!

Want to get more involved in the Midwest Chapter? Consider joining a committee!

Serving on a committee is a great way to learn more about how the Chapter functions and provides a great way to meet other P2 practitioners in our chapter's geographic footprint. Committee service is also a powerful way to build your own skills and expertise.

The Chapter currently has three committees:

Communications: helps keep members informed of chapter happenings.
Contact Andrea to get involved with Communications.
Membership: helps provide a meaningful IAP2 membership.
Contact Josie to get involved with Membership.
Conference: helps plan the chapter's annual spring conference
Contact MJ or Edell to get involved with the Conference.