In this era of declining tax assessments, shrinking income sources and rising expenditures, park districts are becoming more aware of the importance of volunteers and civic groups to their operation.

By Bob Porter

The problem of obtaining both volunteer and civic group donations is not a new one. It is a continuing situation. One approach toward solving this problem is to remember that this recruitment process is a two-way street.

Mutual needs and goals

Every civic group or community service club has a need for resources that can help it reach its goals. This can include meeting space, supplies, use of office machines, guidance, coordination, registration processing and, most of all, strong members with leadership qualities. These groups can meet many of their resource needs by simple cooperation with their park district.

The park district can be a valuable resource to community organizations without major expense or time consumption. The unity of a park district with civic groups provides for better communication, program coordination, a volunteer core base, donations and excellent public relations on both formal and informal levels.

Civic groups work hard to meet their objectives. They sponsor hundreds of fund-raisers, and they donate hundreds of man-hours to worthy causes. They are extremely appreciative of the organizations that help them reach their goals. If a park district is going to ask such groups for volunteers and money, then it should be prepared to help them raise funds and attain their goals.

The use of park district resources does not mean letting a group take over the district's mimeograph machine or dominate the office staff.

However, it does mean providing resources at cost for those clubs. It also means a little extra attention to their needs and commitment to their organizational goals.

Lemont's program

The Lemont Park District is involved with 26 community groups, and almost every one of them uses our resources. These include meeting rooms, registration processes, delivery drop-offs, joint supply purchases, time sharing on certain maintenance units, staff coordination and facility uses for fund-raisers. In addition, the community groups can purchase supplies from the district at cost, and use lettering, duplicating and mimeograph machines.

The park board has developed policies for this program. In simple terms, the district provides resources for free, or at exact cost, to any local not-for-profit civic group. The end result has been increased facility use,

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 20                                                       July/August 1985

volunteer support, program registrations and donations.

The district receives more than $5,000 annually in direct donations and man-power valued in the thousands of dollars. One reason for our success with civic groups is our staff's commitment to them. The staff donates time to the Lions, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, PTA, Little League, Pop Warner, Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Band Boosters, Video Access League, Soccer Club, Swim Club, Scouts, church groups. Democratic and Republican clubs, VFW, American Legion, police and fire associations and so forth.

There are staff members who are elected officials on the school board, the township board and the village's Annexation Commission. There is even one staff member who was the State vice-president of the Illinois Jaycees.

Staff membership in local organizations is encouraged by the park board. This involvement provides direct knowledge of, and communication with, civic groups.

The park district becomes a clearinghouse for future civic group programs. Groups will call the district to see if future dates are free for community projects. The clearinghouse effect eliminates duplication and helps insure successful events.

Park districts should consider a two-way door process when seeking support from civic groups. Cooperation, involvement and resource application are the methods to successful community group use.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Porter is the director of parks and recreation of the Lemont Township Park District. He also serves on the IAPD/IPRA Joint Legislative Committee.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 21                                                       July/August 1985