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Becoming
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We're all familiar withYoda, the Jedi Master in Star Wars. And, there are the famous "Masters of the Universe." Movie critics and fans dubbed Alfred Hitchcock the "master of suspense." And who could forget Major Anthony Nelson (played by Larry Hagman), otherwise known as "master" to the well-intended Jeannie in the 1960's hit sitcom I Dream of Jeannie? But, did you know that as an Illinois park district, forest preserve, conservation or recreation agency board member, you too can become a "master?" |
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 | If Takes Education and More Members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) are eligible for participation in the Board Member Development Program. This ongoing program gives recognition to local board members who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty through committee involvement, attendance at continuing educational opportunities and achievements at the local, state and national levels. "The Board Member Development Program was created to give board members a system of tracking their progress during terms on their local board," said Dr. Ted Flickinger, the IAPD's president and chief executive officer. How the Program Works Participants accumulate Board Development Units (BDUs) yearly from October 1 to September 30 for board member activity in the following categories: • Educational programs • Volunteer participation • Event attendance • Legislative programs • IAPD board and committee service • Local board service • Written articles • Speaking engagements • Agency development, and • Other educational endeavors For example, board members receive 10 BDUs for attending a commissioner's seminar, even if it is offered at the local level. Five BDUs are awarded for each agency-sponsored event at which a board member volunteers. Participants receive 1 BDU for each letter written to a legislator and 5 BDUs for each personal visit with a legislator. Board members who submit articles for consideration in Illinois Parks & Recreation, P&R (the National Recreation and Park Association's publication), IAPD's Beyond the Boardroom or another publication (community newspapers or magazines) receive 5 BDUs for each article submitted and 10 BDUs for each article published. Public speaking on behalf of their agency earns 10 BDUs per speaking engagement, and each book read about boardmanship, parliamentary procedures, park district law or other related topics is good for 5 BDUs per book. While the majority of BDUs are earned for personal development as a board member, there are also ample opportunities to receive them for lending a hand in the agency's growth. For example, participating in a successful grant application, annexation, the building of a new facility or a land purchase can garner 10 BDUs. |
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The Board Member Development Program has three tiers — notable, distinctive and master. Notable board members have accumulated 100 units and are recognized in Illinois Parks & Recreation. Distinctive board members have reached the 400-unit mark and receive an award. Master board members represent the highest level of the program, and are deemed as such once they accumulate 750 units. Master board members receive an award and pin and renew their status every three years though an accumulation of 50 units per year.
The Benefits
According to Greg Kuhs, executive director of the Wood Dale Park District, the Board Member Development Program yields tremendous benefits to its participants. Currently, every Wood Dale Park District board member participates in the program. "It really encourages them to pursue continuing education programs, much like professionals do, in order to make them more effective board members," said
Kuhs. "It promotes community involvement and networking with other commissioners around the state. This is an opportunity for commissioners to talk with their counterparts about problems they face and how they deal with those problems. It's all part of being a good board member."
"Participation in the program can also garner recognition from fellow colleagues, legislators, media and the public. All of which can be useful during re-election" added Flickinger.
Julie Longfield, a commissioner with the Worth Park District, reached Master Board Member status in 2005. Longfield joined the Board Member Development Program so that she could track her involvement and make sure she worked hard to be the best commissioner she could be. "This program offered me a variety of educational and volunteer opportunities to attain my goal of serving my constituents in the best possible way," said Longfield. "There is always something new to be learned, and this program helped me stay on top of the latest issues and trends in the field of parks and recreation."
Where to Start
Joining the program is easy. IAPD members can go to www.ILparks.org and click on "Member Benefits" then "IAPD Awards Program" for a Board Member Development Program entry form, or they can call IAPD at (217) 523-4554. The annual fee for the program is $20, and those who join will receive a Board Member Development Program participant pin. Once Master Board Member status is attained, the $20 annual fee is waived. Every three years, Master Board Members pay a $15 renewal fee to receive an updated certificate.
There are currently more than 40 participants in the IAPD Board Member Development Program. Fifteen have attained Master Board Member status.
"Reaching Master Board Member status takes time and commitment," added Longfield. "But the volunteer hours and dedication are something you're already doing as a park district commissioner. Why not be recognized for it?"
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