The most useful tool to ever come out of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) was actually “gifted” to the organization, and us, by the three people who created it. Two of our longtime friends and colleagues, Dr. Marty Rozelle and Lewis Michaelson, and TPC partner, Doug Sarno – all founders, pioneers and thought leaders in this biz – developed the public participation Spectrum in 1998. It’s been used and adapted globally ever since and a foundation of the work that you and I do. Lewis and Margie Harvey, another long-time Aussie friend, colleague and highly respected practitioner and trainer, recently took it upon themselves to examine the beginnings – the genesis – of public participation and organization with a series of interviews with the key players. Coincidently, IAP2 has taken it upon itself to reconsider the nature and viability of the Spectrum. So, Doug, Lewis and Marty decided to rethink their own thoughts about the original Spectrum relative to where it started in 1998 and where it and this practice are here at the edge of 2025. It’s all assembled in a rather tidy little package for you to consider in your free time over the holidays. Let us know what you think.