In the Spotlight - Gay Robinson, APR, CP3

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The IAP2 Wild Rose Chapter is excited to highlight the outstanding P2  professionals who guide and shape our community of practice in Alberta!  

This month we chatted with Gay Robinson, APR, CP3, Owner, Gay Robinson Consulting to talk to her about her career in P2 and her experiences as a long-time IAP2 volunteer. She has contributed her time and expertise in a variety of ways to IAP2 Wild Rose and IAP2 Canada for many years. Below is some of what she had to share.

How did you first find your way into the world of engagement? Was it a planned career path or a happy accident that brought you here?

It was a happy accident. I started my career in communications and became accredited by the Canadian Public Relations Society, but I kept gravitating toward the relationship side of things. 

While working for an oil and gas company, the energy regulator introduced regulations requiring engagement with the community. This was where I found my fit, recognizing that people had a right to be involved in decisions affecting them.

Over time, I expanded my engagement work into municipal, provincial, federal, agency, and school board projects. My career has spanned many sectors, all grounded in a love for working with the community.

What have been some of the most defining moments in your career that shaped your approach to engagement?

One defining project involved an oil and gas company that had previously mishandled a situation. Recognizing their mistakes, the company committed to meaningful engagement. I helped form an advisory group, which ran for two and a half years. It was a collaborative effort that achieved amazing outcomes and was even recognized by the energy regulator as raising the bar for community engagement.

The success of this project taught me the power of meaningful, authentic engagement. It also reinforced my belief that if the client and community are willing, incredible things can happen.

A quote that has always resonated with me—and hangs on the wall in my office—is from Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." This project was my real-life example of that idea in action.

Another takeaway was learning to walk away from projects where organizations are not committed to genuine engagement. If they just want to rubber-stamp, that’s not a project I want to work on.

Engagement strategies are constantly evolving. What new tools, trends, or techniques have you embraced recently that have made a significant impact?

Virtual tools have broadened participation in some cases, but they can compromise the quality of dialogue compared to in-person interactions. It’s crucial to strike the right balance and use the right tools for the situation.

One particularly effective tool I’ve used was virtual open house software, where participants could move around a virtual room to view display boards. This allowed them to access the same information they’d typically get at an in-person open house.

We allowed participants to move between virtual breakout rooms on topics of interest. Subject matter experts were available in each breakout room. This worked well when in-person meetings weren’t possible.

What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for engagement professionals?

One exciting trend is organizations starting to revisit and implement engagement policies more meaningfully. For example, the Alberta Municipal Affairs required all municipalities to have engagement policies. Initially, these policies were often just copied from templates, but now organizations are exploring how to implement them effectively.

Organizations are looking at where they stand on a continuum of engagement culture. Newer organizations might focus on basic elements, while more experienced ones may work on advanced strategies. The Wosk Centre at Simon Fraser University and IAP2 are both exploring this idea.

The concept of creating and maintaining a culture of engagement is gaining traction. It’s no longer about checking a box. It’s about embedding engagement into the organization’s values and practices.

For those just starting out or looking to grow in this field, what key advice or wisdom would you share to help them thrive in engagement roles?

Getting involved with IAP2 is invaluable. Their training programs, conferences, and networking opportunities are excellent for learning and growth. I’ve personally benefited from their resources. Additionally, the networking opportunities allow you to connect with others in your sector and learn from their experiences.

Living the core values and ethics of engagement is crucial. When you’re new, it can be hard to stand your ground, but it’s important to advocate for best practices and share the profession’s core values with others.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

When I discovered IAP2, it felt like I had found my people. I’ve met so many great people and built friendships across Canada and beyond, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island.

As the IAP2 Canada representative on the international board, I’ve connected with professionals from countries like Colombia, Indonesia, and Australia. Being part of this global community has been a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

Do you know someone in the field of public participation who you think should be our next member in the spotlight? Email your suggestions to info@iap2wildrose.ca