ACROSS THE BOARD

Speaking Up for Parks and Recreation

There is no better time than now to make your voice heard about issues facing park, recreation and conservation agencies.

In the new millennium, our population will show increases in cultural diversity and aging. There will be a significant proportion of the population with more leisure time. People in our society will have an increased interest in wellness, quality of life issues and the environment.

With these societal changes, I can think of no other time in history when it has been more important for individuals to make their voices heard about issues facing park, recreation, and conservation agencies.

Abandoned railroads arc being lost forever, never to be used for bicycling, walking, jogging, or equestrian trails. Encroaching civilization has seriously diminished open spaces, natural areas and wetlands. Many lakes and streams continue to be polluted and some are unfit for recreation or for eating the fish.

Youth need guidance, direction, role models and increased recreational opportunities. Stress levels and the hustle and bustle of daily life have increased, and the need for activities to counter stress have become of paramount importance.

Privatization of recreation will become more prevalent. We must educate citizens about the advantages and need for public parks and recreation. Public park and recreation services address the needs of all citizens, not just those who can afford to join private clubs and fitness organizations. Yet public revolt against taxes will continue.

Taking responsibility to prepare for and react to these issues is critical for the future viability of Illinois park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies, as well as our statewide associations. We must continue to improve our efforts to make a case for parks and recreation. The publics perception and understanding of the values of park and recreation services must be a high priority for our field.

We must increase our efforts to work with the media and show that we are addressing social issues like family values, crime, substance abuse, as well as protecting wildlife habitat and natural resources. We must expand our role from what some consider the provision of cursory services to offering meaningful programs with measurable results. We must be perceived as providers of "essential services." It's true that we need city services such as fire and police protection;they help us exist in an orderly world. But, parks and recreation give us opportunities to really live and grow, and not just exist.

We need to educate the public that of all the taxes they pay, none deliver more tangible benefits than the property tax they send to their park districts, forest preserves, as well as schools and city or county governments. Real estate taxes are the lifeblood of local governments. What would the quality of life be like in your community without adequate support of property taxes? Some people don't know how much parks and recreation contribute to tourism, local economies, and the quality of life.

The fact remains that the battles for parks and recreation never end. There will always be those who— because of ignorance or indifference—care little about parks and recreation. We will always be challenged to educate these individuals. We must let them know that there are at least two educations: one to teach us how to make a living and the other to teach us how to live. Our field teaches people how to live and how to enjoy life to its fullest. We are a serious business that goes beyond fun and games.

Dr. Ted Flickinger IAPD Executive Director

Henry David Thoreau once said "the greatest blunder a person can make is to spend more time making a living rather than living." Living can mean many things to many people. When people really live, they choose to spend their time doing something that enhances their overall wellness—physical and psychological. Maybe it is a walk in the park, or playing in a recreational sports league, or visiting an art exhibit or musical performance. Maybe taking an instructional class in cooking or ceramics meets your needs. Perhaps you prefer a combination of diverse recreational activities. Whatever you choose, park districts and forest preserves are great resources.

As citizens and as park and recreation professionals, we have a paramount right and responsibility to participate in the political process. We have a right to be heard by politicians and to lobby for our interests. If we choose not to use this right, then we must accept the decisions that politicians make on our behalf.

6/ Illinois Parks and Recreation

We must double our efforts to research and document how our services affect social ills, quality of life issues and the preservation of historic and natural resources. IAPD is making this a high priority in 1997 and beyond. And then, after we do this, we must improve our lobbying efforts.

As citizens and as park and recreation professionals, we have a paramount right and responsibility to participate in the political process. We have a right to be heard by politicians and to lobby for our interests. If we choose not to use this right, then we must accept the decisions that politicians make on our behalf. By expressing our views through lobbying, we are practicing the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which affirms "the right of the people...to petition the government for a redress of grievances." That right has protected and nurtured lobbying. Park and recreation issues are far too important to be left solely to politicians.

Now is the time to speak out and speak up.If you won't do it, who will? Let's help shape our future and the future recreational interests of all Illinoisans. •

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LOBBYING

Know Your Legislators

Know your legislator's party, expertise, geographical area served, and committee assignments. It helps to research legislators' past votes and positions on issues. Call IAPD for this information. Remember, legislators try to represent all of their constituents. Recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion which will require legislators to compromise, contradict or oppose your position on occasion.

Know the Issues

While you may be interested in one particular bill, no legislator can keep track of the status of all proposed legislation. It is your job to know the status and components of the bill that concerns your district. Know where the bill is at all times (i.e. subcommittee, full committee, on the calendar, on a second or third reading). Armed with this information, you are perceived as a knowledgeable individual and a valuable source of reliable information to the legislator.

Present Your Case Effectively

Identify yourself, your district, and your issue. Legislators and their staff meet many people during the session. Don't expect them to remember you, unless you have developed a friendship or close acquaintance. Be brief. Never give misleading facts. Once you lose credibility you will seldom win it back. Your goal is to have them think of you as a valuable source of accurate information. Honor any request made by your legislator for additional information he or she may need on park district issues. Explain how the issue affects or benefits citizens from your district.

Communicate During the "Off Season"

It is very difficult to build a relationship with a legislator when you only see them once or twice a year or just when you need their help. Contact your legislator year-round, not just during session, and update your legislator on local park district activities with invitations to park openings and special events.

Take No-Votes on the Chin

Inevitably you wilt disagree with your legislator. Don't give up or be rude. Sometimes legislators change their minds when they learn more facts. When their stand on the issue is firm, remain as cordial as ever. You may need to seek their support again. Legislators have good memories, and you determine whether that memory is positive or negative.

Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up

Follow-up periodically. Thousands of bills are considered each session, and a well-timed reminder, whether by mail or phone, can be very helpful.

Show Your Appreciation

It is important to let the legislator know that you appreciate any assistance they give. It is worthwhile to commend them for a favorable vote and to urge others to give them a heartfelt "thank you." Be quick to commend and very slow to criticize.

Network with Citizens

Create local citizen networks to write letters and make phone calls when needed. Maintain your local network by keeping them well informed about legislative developments and including them in meetings with legislators.

Network with Other Boards and Organizations

Develop intergovernmental relations. Build formal communications between your board and other park boards, the municipality, and the county board. Determine whether these boards will support park initiatives or oppose them, and whether you will support their causes. Relate how parks and recreation benefit the community and their organization.

January/February 1997 /7