A R E  Y O U  O N  B O A R D?                                

Boardmanship Insights The value and importance of attending board member education and training-programs

Dr. Ted Flickinger IAPD Executive Director

After returning from the 2001 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, I am reassured of the Illinois Association of Park Districts' position that it is absolutely necessary for board members to have an opportunity to attend board training programs. It is at venues such as the state conference and regional workshops that commissioners learn from experts in the field, compare notes and exchange opinions on park and recreation issues.

Commissioner education programs provide concerned board members an opportunity to examine the latest trends, developments and issues in parks and recreation, and to discuss experiences face-to-face. Through this type of transmission of ideas, we experience advancement and growth. Not all education can be engendered by correspondence and reading.

Yet, sometimes the news media, taxpayer groups and misinformed citizens criticize commissioners for attending a conference or board training program. The best way you can counter such critics is to bring back from educational programs reports of the information you have learned, especially information relevant to local problems. Before you attend a training program, you should also identify the information you expect to obtain that will benefit your agency.

We believe most citizens will respect board members who take time from their busy schedules to attend conferences to become better informed and to seek solutions to local problems.

The bottom line is this: a well-informed and educated board member can be more effective and accountable to the public.

Fresh from the 2001 state conference, here are some suggestions for how to get the most out of your experience. Keep this article on file for review throughout the year and prior to the state conference in 2002.

1. Review the conference program in advance. Summarize your needs (your questions on each topic) and develop a daily schedule. Share your schedule with fellow board members so different sessions can be covered by each member and written or oral reports can be compared following the conference.

2. Attend as many sessions as possible. You will certainly pick up at least one idea that will be worth the time you have spent.

3. Arrive at sessions early to get a good seat and to be courteous to fellow delegates and speakers by not being late and disruptive.

4. Get acquainted with other commissioners. Join the "bull sessions" after the formal sessions are over. Don't be afraid that you are not as informed as others on particular subjects. You may be surprised. Talk and listen.

5. Consult with an IAPD board or staff member if you have a particular problem that was not addressed in a session. We can assist you or put you in touch with individuals most qualified or experienced in a specific problem area.

6. Bring your business cards and request business cards of those you have contacted at

January/February 2001 / 7

BOARDMANSHIP INSIGHTS                                                                                  

Sometimes the news media, taxpayer groups and misinformed citizens criticize commissioners for attending a conference or board training program.

the conference. This will give you an opportunity to follow-up on your discussions. 7. Get a speaker's permission if you plan to tape the educational program. 8. Ask questions in sessions. Don't be shy to volunteer information. Your experience is valuable. Share it with others. 9. Try to seek solutions to some of your concerns in one-to-one discussions with speakers or other delegates. 10. Complete your evaluation forms frankly, but fairly. Offer constructive suggestions. These forms are a tremendous tool for future planning committees.

11. After the conference, prepare a succinct report for fellow board members. Make it available to concerned citizens and the news media. Include a copy of the handouts from the sessions you attended.

12. Constantly ask yourself how what you have learned applies to you or your agency. Sometimes an idea or concept won't apply until a later date.

The future of park districts and forest preserves depends, to a great degree, on our involvement in state government and our work with state legislators. But, just as important, the public park district and forest preserve system depends on elected citizens who are well-informed public officials.

Maximize Your Time Spent in the
Conference Exhibit Hall

Exhibitors at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference show and demonstrate the latest services and products for the park and recreation field. You make decisions with taxpayers money to invest in these services and products. Visiting the exhibitors acquaints you with the merchandise, gives you an opportunity to discuss pricing and check competitive companies.

Allow sufficient time to visit the entire exhibit hall. Two or three trips to the exhibit hall is not unusual in a two-day period. The conference program allows specific times each day to visit the exhibit hall, thus not taking time from attending educational sessions and workshops.

If possible, come prepared with questions to ask selected exhibitors. Listen to questions other conference delegates ask. Collect literature to read later or leave your business card. Write on your business card what you specifically are requesting to be mailed or faxed to you.

If you come away from the educational programs with one idea that saves your agency money, or improves its services or develops better policies or legal operations, than the money and time was well spent. But we hope you come away with several new ideas to improve your board or the agency.

Don't apologize for the cost of commissioner education. Just portray the facts that you're trying to do a better job for your district or community.

Other Reasons to Attend the
IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference

• The IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference is the largest state conference for parks and recreation in the nation. It attracts nationally recognized speakers, top board members, and hundreds of companies.

• The state conference has one of the lowest registration fees for a conference of this size and diversity. Plus, hotel room rates are low.

• Learn from hundreds of educational sessions.

• Take advantage of many opportunities to exchange ideas, network with fellow board members and professionals and ignite our hopes for the future.

• Become informed on legislative issues, trends and problems that affect your agency or legal issues that affect you as a board member. •

IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference January 24-26, 2002 Hyatt Regency, Chicago January 8-12, 2003 Hyatt Regency, Chicago January 21-25, 2004 Hyatt Regency, Chicago

Click here for the Donald F. Bresnan Commissioner Scholarship Fund

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