IAP2 Intermountain Chapter

UPDATED: Calling all Young Professionals for another Cup of Tea networking event! When: Wednesday, October 9, at 11am-12pm MT Where: On Zoom! Topic: How to navigate challenging conversations and political tension as a Young Professional in the P2 space. Register: https://lnkd.in/gwBBZPCk Can’t make it this time? Join our YP email list to hear about more virtual gatherings or check out our webpage! Email list: https://lnkd.in/gwBxZcyu YP Page: https://lnkd.in/gD7BdqAa

Calling all Young Professionals for another Cup of Tea networking event! When: Wednesday, October 9, at 11am-12pm CT Where: On Zoom! Topic: How to navigate challenging conversations and political tension as a Young Professional in the P2 space. Register: https://lnkd.in/gwBBZPCk

Exciting Announcement! Don't miss out on a rare opportunity to elevate your skills right here in the Intermountain region before the IAP2 North American Conference this fall! Join the IAP2 Intermountain Chapter for an exclusive training session led by the renowned MCP3 and IAF certified professional facilitator, John Godec! With over 30 years of industry expertise, John will delve into his (re)Building Trust training, offering invaluable insights, best practices, and lessons learned. 🗓 **Mark your calendars for November 20-21** as we gather in Salt Lake City to absorb John's wealth of knowledge and take our careers to new heights. But hurry - space is limited! Secure your spot today and invest in your professional growth.

### Board Member Spotlight We are thrilled to highlight Wendy Lowe, a cornerstone of our IAP2 Intermountain Chapter. With over 35 years of expertise in public participation and group facilitation, Wendy has skillfully managed both large and small-scale projects, fostering respectful dialogues around even the most controversial issues. We asked Wendy a few questions about P2 and here is what she had to say: **Why P2 Matters:** Wendy believes in the power of engaging diverse community voices. By valuing and incorporating different perspectives, we make better decisions that enhance quality of life and foster a sense of belonging. **Favorite Technique:** Wendy loves using post-it notes, markers, and dot stickers for a tactile, interactive approach to gathering input. She embraces the spontaneity and creativity that arise from these hands-on methods, even if it gets a bit messy! **Outside of Work:** When not facilitating impactful discussions, Wendy enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband Joe, son Nathan, and dog Rosy. They enjoying hiking, camping, and cross country skiing together. As our board treasurer, Wendy’s invaluable institutional knowledge and dynamic presence continue to drive our chapter forward. We’re incredibly grateful for her dedication and energy!

Our latest monthly newsletter is out, packed with insights, upcoming events, and news relevant to our community. Stay informed about what's happening in the world of public participation and how you can get involved! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvN28rtB Dive into this month's edition and discover valuable updates that could enhance your professional journey. Your engagement and feedback are what make our chapter thrive! #IAP2 #IAP2usa #IAP2intermountain #PublicParticipation #CommunityEngagement #Newsletter

### Board Member Spotlight Takami Clark, Montana State Rep for IAP2 Intermountain Chapter We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Takami Clark, our dedicated Montana State Representative for the IAP2 Intermountain Chapter and the Communications and Engagement Manager for the City of Bozeman! Takami's commitment to public participation (P2) is truly inspiring, driven by her belief that inclusive decision-making leads to better outcomes for our communities. **Why does P2 matter?** Takami believes that P2 is essential because it ensures that decisions affecting our communities are made with everyone's input. By bringing diverse voices to the table, we can create policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. **What makes P2 unique to your part of the world?** In Bozeman, Montana, Takami leverages the community's deep engagement culture. Residents are eager to participate and are well-informed, making discussions robust and policy decisions challenging yet rewarding. Go-to tool or technique? Takami relies on the Engage Bozeman platform for its community-wide acceptance and accessibility. Pairing online surveys with in-person interactions ensures broad participation, catering to diverse preferences in engagement. **What is a project you're proud of?** Her leadership on the Belonging in Bozeman Plan stands out. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, Takami facilitated dialogue with underrepresented groups, fostering a more cohesive and welcoming community. Beyond work? Outside her public service, Takami cherishes family time, whether exploring parks or embarking on house renovation adventures. Final thoughts? Takami's advocacy for transparent communication and her calm demeanor amid challenging discussions are testaments to her dedication to empowering community voices. Join us in celebrating Takami Clark for her outstanding contributions to public participation in Montana and beyond! #IAP2 #PublicParticipation #CommunityEngagement #MontanaLeadership

Join us for our first IAP2 Young Professionals Guest Speaker Event! We will be hearing experiences from our YP Co-chairs Scarlett & Rachel! Register here: https://lnkd.in/g3hec8TA #IAP2 #YoungProfessional #YP #GuestSpeaker #PublicParticipation #CommunityEngagement

### Board Member Spotlight We're thrilled to introduce Crissy Hunt, the newest member of our community here at IAP2 Intermountain Chapter as our Nevada State Representative. Crissy's enthusiasm for public participation (P2) shines through their insights and experiences as a Public Involvement and Communications Lead at Avenue Consultants. We asked Crissy the following questions to get to know her better: **Why does P2 matter?** "As the newest member of IAP2 Intermountain Chapter, I've found a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers who share my passion for thoughtful community growth. Together, we explore best practices and current trends in public involvement to ensure our communities flourish." What is your go-to tool or technique and why? "For in-person meetings, I find collecting anonymous input crucial. It allows participants to share concerns honestly without disclosing their identities. Using a suggestion box for written feedback or surveys facilitates open discussions. Digitally, I rely on JotForm for its user-friendly templates and customization options." **What do you do when you are not working?** "Outside of work, you'll find me hiking in the canyon with my boyfriend and our dog, enjoying the outdoors and staying active. When Las Vegas heats up, I retreat indoors for cooking, home renovations, and DIY projects." **What do you want us to know about you?** "I had the incredible opportunity to live and work in Spain for six months during college as an exchange student. This experience broadened my perspective on culture and values, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity through travel." Join me in welcoming Crissy to our community! Their dedication to community engagement and diverse experiences enrich our shared mission at IAP2 Intermountain Chapter.

### Board Member Spotlight Jessamyn Summers brings a passion for public participation and creativity to her role as a public involvement specialist at Horrocks and as the IAP2 Intermountain Chapter State Representative for Idaho. Here’s a glimpse into her insights and interests: **Why does P2 matter?** "P2 matters because when we tap into the diverse knowledge and creativity of our communities, we make exceptionally better choices. Authentic involvement in decision-making processes shows that people's voices are valued, which contributes to a better quality of life and fosters a sense of belonging." **What is your go-to tool or technique and why?** "I’ve found that providing tactile experiences, like using post-it notes, markers, and dot stickers, is an effective way to gather input in person. These methods allow participants to express themselves directly to decision-makers and project teams. I embrace the chaos and enjoy adapting plans to suit the evolving needs of the moment, fostering new ways to learn from participants." **What do you do when you are not working?** "Outside of work, I cherish spending time outdoors with my husband and our two dogs. Our favorite activity is boat camping along the secluded shores of the Owyhee Reservoir. When not exploring nature, I’m deeply involved in roller derby, balancing training and gameplay as a passionate hobby." Jessa’s commitment to community engagement and her adventurous spirit truly embody the values of impactful public participation.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our happy hour event! It was wonderful to network and connect with peers from our local IAP2 USA chapter. Looking forward to more great conversations and collaborations in the future!