E Y E   O N    T H E   P R O F E S S I O N
A CLOSER LOOK AT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE PARK AND RECREATION PROFESSION

I sat at my desk planning the spring election schedule for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association board of directors, I wondered what motivates people to become active members in their association. So I did what anyone in this day and age would do. I consulted the Internet. After many attempts, I found what I was looking for: several articles regarding association participation. The author is Cynthia D'Amour, a writer, speaker and leadership coach, who specializes in helping associations create active memberships. She identifies three key benefits that motivate people to become active members of their associations. The first benefit involves personal and professional development.

William J. M. Wald, CPRP IPRA Executive Director

Personal and Professional
Development

IPRA offers a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth and development. On the personal side, networking opportunities abound through participation in sections, committees and affiliate organizations as well as through attendance at the annual conference and workshops. Through networking, you can broaden your horizons, look at issues and concerns from a different perspective, build a resource pool for problem-solving and support. DeDe Kem, recreation supervisor at the Winnetka Park District, has created such a resource pool through her involvement with the IPRA Recreation Section.

Says Kem: "Instead of calling people out of the blue, I can call colleagues I have met through the 'rec section' to get program ideas or discuss current issues we are facing in our communities or in our jobs. Not only is it fun being involved in the section but it has helped me to do my job better." Another advantage of professional involvement is learning best practices in the field and making contacts for future career opportunities. A number of people I've talked to over the years have told me that they are in their present positions due to contacts they have made through IPRA. One of the reasons Peter Pope, golf course manager of the Bolingbrook Park District, got involved in IPRA was to get to know people and practices in other areas of the field. Pope entered the field as a supervisor at a special recreation association. He volunteered to be the Therapeutic Recreation Section's representative to the conference committee and enjoyed the experience so much, he asked if he could stay on. He has been involved in the planning of the conference for a number of years and this year he is the co-chair of the Joint Conference Committee.

Professionally, you can fine-tune your management, leadership and technical skills by attending IPRA University, the Professional Development School, the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, the National Playground Safety Institute, and the IPRA Success Summit. IPRA sections, committees and affiliates offer numerous seminars and workshops to sharpen your skills and build your professional portfolio.

A Sense of Community The second benefit D'Amour identifies is a desire to be part of your "community." If you are already a member of the board, a section, or a committee or if you are involved with your church or the PTA, you have experienced this sense of belonging. The spirit of teamwork and commitment that emerges as you work toward a common goal is not only gratifying but can offer the groundwork for building personal and professional contacts and friendships that can last a lifetime. When DeDe Kern first got involved in the Recreation Section, she thought there was a "clique" and she wouldn't fit in. She quickly realized that everyone is welcome and an extra pair of hands and a fresh perspective are always appreciated.

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." — Sam Ewing

8 Illinois Parks and Recreation

M O T I V A T I N G   F A C T O R S

The Greater Good

The final benefit that motivates professionals to become active members of their associations is providing an opportunity to contribute to some greater good through their involvement. Members of the Joint Legislative Committee are the spokespersons for the IAPD/IPRA Legislative Platform. They address state and national leaders and influence legislation that affects park and recreation legislation.

The Joint Public Awareness Committee, by adopting the Benefits Movement, is working towards changing not only the way we perceive our profession but also the public's image of parks and recreation. The Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Committee strives to improve the delivery of recreation services through a voluntary comprehensive evaluation process for park districts and recreation agencies. The College and University Relations Committee provides student scholarships and recruits students to pursue careers in parks and recreation.

Why don't you consider volunteering for the Education Committee, the Research Committee or the Public Policy Committee? Involvement on the IPRA board, in a section or a committee, is not only a rewarding experience, personally, but it can affect the future of our profession and the provision of park and recreation services in the state of Illinois.

"The networking and the sharing of ideas that we do through our involvement in IPRA strengthens our profession and provides the tools and resources we need to better serve our public," says Bill McAdam, assistant director of the Plainfield Park District and the new Metro Region Representative on the IPRA board.

"We aren't individual islands, but rather a group of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals all working towards the same goal: providing park and recreation opportunities which enhance the quality of life of those we serve."

Now I ask, why not nominate yourself for an available board position or call your section director or a committee chair to volunteer your time and energies to better our profession? This will also give you the tools you need to succeed in your career. It's hard work but the rewards are endless. •

In order to be a candidate for an IPRA board position, you must be a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Provisional (PPRP) or Associate (APRP). Currently open are positions for an At-Large Member, the Southern Illinois Region and the Chicago Metro Region (Southern). Nominations are due June 1 and complete details and an application form are available from IPRA and in the April IAPD/IPRA Connection newsletter. For more information about board positions and IPRA sections and committees, contact IPRA at 630.752.0l4l or see www.il-ipra.org.

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