EDITORIAL ... TO STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS . . .

Why Attend Park and Recreation Conferences

by Rhodell E. Owens Director of Parks and Recreation Peoria Park District

Inevitably at this time of year, when requests and plans are being made to attend conferences, the value derived is questioned. Park districts that are experiencing difficult financial problems are particularly cautious in approving expenditures for these requests.

Attendance at professional conferences and workshops, such as those offered by I.P.R.S.; I.A.P.D., and N.R.P.A., are in a very real sense an integral part of a staff's work function. There is no better way for staff people to keep informed on new programs and developments and maintain a viable perspective of their responsibilities. Professionals these days seek to be employed where opportunities to keep abreast of the times are afforded through conference and workshop attendance. Furthermore, a stated policy providing conference attendance attracts and holds competent staff members.

A statewide survey of salaries, wages, and benefits, conducted by a leading Illinois university, shows that most park districts in Illinois send their chief administrator and staff members to national and state conferences and local workshops each year as a specific employment incentive.

Although it is often difficult for board members to give their time for attending conferences, they too gain a wider appreciation of park and recreation problems and are stimulated to greater and more discerning community service through their association with older board representatives and staff members.

We should encourage staff and board members to take leadership roles in the affairs of our state (and national) organizations. Through the efforts of board and staff working together on committees, much beneficial state enabling legislation has been enacted, such as merging of park and recreation bodies, increased bonding powers and tax income along with a host of other imperative measures. Such achievements keep our park department alive financially and functioning properly, and are accomplished only by active participation at conferences where much of our committee work is finalized and approved by the general membership.

We should also encourage staff members to participate in presenting papers at the conferences. Pre-conference study of the topics offered enable individual staff members to cover and report back to the entire staff the programs which are of greatest value to the park and recreation operation.

Conference attendance is a real learning experience for any board or staff member. However trite it may be, we cannot escape the truth of the old axiom: "When we cease to learn, we die." As professionals and commissioners we must pursue every opportunity available to us for this learning process. The inspiration and idea exchange, both formal and informal, resulting from conferences not only contributes to the growth of our staff and board, but increases their efficiency in conducting the day-to-day work of our park and recreation agencies.

And, we might add, the opportunity for some real "fun" recreation and relaxation at these conferences should not be passed over too lightly. After all, recreation is our business.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 14 November/December, 1974