Are you on Board

Citizen boards keep democracy green at the roots. They serve an important function in our democratic society, because they help the agency remain close to the needs of the people they serve.

In at least one major respect, our services are unique among local governments. This difference revolves around the fact that participation in the agency's offerings is a matter of choice and, unless the opportunities afforded John Q. Citizen appeal to him, he will not visit the recreation facility or forest preserve.

Agency programs also differ from community to community, from season to season, from neighborhood to neighborhood. Each program must be developed in accordance with individual community factors and the mission of the agency.

Executives cannot accomplish this daunting task without some sort of direct link to the community they serve. They must have assistance in evaluating their community's needs, developing appropriate services and communicating with the public.

"The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight." - Theodore Roosevelt

A citizen board develops and maintains relationships with community groups and agencies, as well as schools and governmental authorities. All of these groups have an interest in working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. A citizen board contributes to stability and continuity within an agency's policy-making role.

In essence, board members are the peoples ambassadors to the managing authority. They represent the citizens and interpret their views. A board composed of respected citizens—well-known and active in community affairs and interested in the total recreational needs of the community—can also effectively interpret the agency's services and issues to the people of the community. Together, the board serves as:

• a barometer of public opinions for agency management;

• a sounding board for proposed actions or policies;

• a watchdog to ensure the agency is properly managed; and

• a change agent to examine the agency and recommend modifications or improvements.

To serve on a park district, forest preserve or recreation board requires an element of social consciousness and a willingness to accept the major responsibilities of representing all the citizens in your community or district. These agencies put into action the highest democratic principles of citizen control.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many fine board members and have found that the more successful and effective ones have some common characteristics.

Dr. Ted Flickinger
IAPD Executive Director

The rewards derived from being a board member will depend on the individual's motivation for serving on the board.

6 Illinois Parks and Recreation

• They request, receive, evaluate and make decisions based on effective and wise guidance from the executive.

• They are sensitive to the obligations and relationships they have accepted, and they have high ethical standards.

• They have an attitude of cooperation, open-mindedness and objectivity.

• They recognize the value and necessity of mutual understanding and teamwork between the board and the executive.

• They realize and respect that, while the function of the board and the staff are different, the objectives of each are the same. They support the executive in his or her role as manager of the agency.

• They believe in the agency's mission, goals and objectives.

• They are willing to give time and energy to learn about as well as carry out board duties.

• They are willing to make personal sacrifices, such as time away from family and work.

• They can inspire the community's confidence, respect and support.

• They are able to participate in discussions with demonstrated reasoning, good judgment and the courage of personal convictions.

• They work well with others: a talent that involves a rare blend of tact, respect for varied opinions and points of view.

• They are willing to support board decisions even when the decision conflicts with his or her personal views.

• They can handle media criticism of board decisions.

• They have sound judgment as well as an inquiring and analytical mind.

It does matter who is elected or appointed to a park or forest preserve board. We must train them on the roles and responsibilities of a board member. There is no room for the board member who advocates an "all for one and none for all" philosophy, or the self-serving board member who does not want to be a team player.

With responsibility comes reward. The rewards derived from being a board member will depend on the individual's motivation for serving on that board. The most satisfied board members are rewarded by their sense that they are making a difference in the community and that they are helping the organization to carry out its mission and to grow.

Attend the IAPD New Commissioner Seminar
Board members, be a good mentor to your new board members and attend together the IAPD New Commissioner Seminar, Saturday, May 31 at the Downers Grove Park District. There you'll learn effective board-executive relations, lobbying and legal issues, about the Open Meetings Act and basic parliamentary procedures. You won't want to miss the primer on park district finances!
Start your term off right with this educational opportunity presented by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Remember, an uneducated board member can be a dangerous board member.
For more information, see www.ILparks.org or call IAPD at 217.523.4554.

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