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Slicing Education Hurts All The Annual Conference Provides Cost-effective Training
A good board member's training never stops. No matter how long they have served, responsible board members attend conferences, workshops and retreats to keep up-to-date on issues facing parks, forest preserves and recreation agencies. Your next opportunity to learn better boardsmanship is the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference on January 22nd through the 24th at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Its theme is "There's No Business Like Our Business." That sentiment certainly reflects the current condition of our endeavors. As a commissioner, you serve the need to preserve open spaces and provide recreation services for the public. But today's economy increasingly forces you to bring some private-sector sensibilities to the proper use of public money. How can your agency market itself better? Can your agency benefit from new and different financing options? Are there ways to save money on your upcoming capital improvement projects? What is the most cost-effective way to build a master plan? The annual Conference has sessions designed to answer these concerns and many more. The conference is definitely not designed solely for rookie board members. Veterans like Ron Lehman with more than thirty years' experience as a Channahon Park District commissioner return year after year, because there is always so much to learn. This year - as he did last year — Ron will share his experience as part of a panel of long-serving commissioners who will field your questions in an "Ask the Commissioner" session on Saturday, January 24th at 10:15. The session is an opportunity to exchange good ideas that you can take home to benefit your agency and the people you serve. Commissioners owe it to the citizens who elected them to become better-informed public servants. I don't claim that it is your duty to attend the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference. But I do contend that commissioners owe it to the citizens who elected them to become better-informed public servants. The conference is one way that IAPD makes training efficient, cost-effective and fun. Remember, the park and recreation business, like any other business, requires continuing education. Board Training is Not a Frill There are some members of the media, taxpayer groups, and misinformed citizens that may criticize you for spending taxpayer money to attend the conference and similar events. To counter such critics, point out that an uneducated board member can be a dangerous board member. A board member who doesn't know anything about trends and issues could make inappropriate decisions that are detrimental to the agency and cost taxpayers more money. You can help to illustrate this point by bringing back relevant information from the conference and briefing the local media about the conference through a news release or at a board meeting. How Boards Benefit from Conference The IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference is a one-stop source for timely information, expert counsel and networking opportunities. The three-day state conference offers more than 156 educational sessions plus skill development workshops, networking opportunities, exhibits and social events. Educational programs feature a broad range of topics including tips for developing a 6 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation SLICING EDUCATION HURTS ALL
referendum campaign, cultivating public and private partnerships, risk assessment and maximizing board effectiveness, to name just a few. These programs are tailored to board member needs and information to help boards establish prudent and effective policies for governing the district. The programs help local officials determine what they need to do to meet both the letter and the spirit of new laws and improve the parks and recreational opportunities they provide to their communities. Also be sure to attend the IAPD Business Meeting on Saturday, January 24 from 3:30 to 5:00 in Grand A Ballroom. Another "can't miss" experience is the All Conference Luncheon and Awards Show on Friday, January 23 from 12:00 to 2:00 in the Grand Ballroom, where you're sure to be inspired by the success stories of Illinois commissioners, agencies and park professionals. Getting the Most from Conference 1. Use this issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine to plan your itinerary, including educational programs, networking opportunities, hospitalities and special events. Staff and board members each should attend different sessions and share summaries at a post conference meeting. 2. Review the program in this issue of the magazine well before the conference and summarize your needs (your questions on each topic) to develop a daily schedule. 3. Attend as many sessions as possible. From each session you certainly will pick up at least one idea that will be worth the time you have spent. 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 on particular subjects as are others: you might be surprised to learn just the opposite. Talk and listen. 5. Consult with an IAPD board member 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 the individuals most qualified or experienced in a specific problem area. 6. Plan to visit the exhibit hall to learn about the latest products and services for the park and recreation business. 7. Bring plenty of business cards to leave with speakers, exhibitors and others who network with you. 8. Bring examples of any information or issues you would like to discuss with speakers or conference attendees. 9. Incorporate elements of a board member retreat into your conference experience. 10. After the conference, prepare a succinct report for fellow board members, district personnel and other key audiences in the community. Education Is Ongoing Oftentimes, board members who don't attend workshops and conferences fail to be aware of and meet their statutory duties and responsibilities. Those who say, "I can't afford to go" are missing the boat. You can't afford to choose ignorance. The future of open spaces, preservation of natural resources and meeting the recreational needs of residents in all of our communities depends on farsighted and knowledgeable board members. IAPD is in the business of training and developing board members. In addition to the annual conference, consider taking advantage of some of our many educational events, including: • The annual Legislative Conference and Reception, which trains board members in legislative advocacy and provides a forum for meeting with legislators. • The annual Legal Symposium, designed to track and present the hot legal topics that affect park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies. • Commissioners' Boot Camps that provide forums for specific boardsmanship issues. • Specialized workshops throughout the year that offer training in such areas as technology, public relations, the benefits of marketing, finances and board/CEO relationships. Continuing education and training are no longer just fun things to do; they are necessities. The issues facing park district and forest preserve boards today are so broad and complex that none of us can go it alone. Training and information sharing are sound investments for park districts and forest preserves. I'll see you at conference. • December/January 2004 ¦ 7 |
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