EYE ON THE PROFESSION

A CLOSER LOOK AT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE PARK AND RECREATION PROFESSION

Do you value learning? Do you make a serious effort to expand your knowledge base and grow as a professional?

Continuing education throughout your professional career is something that the Illinois Park & Recreation Association takes very seriously. I know you are very busy with day-to-day operations, but making a concerted effort at continuing your education will only improve the work you do.

The decision to continue one's education in the professional workplace often is a directive from the top. It is so very important for directors to understand the importance of building a superior team - a team that values learning and putting that learning into action.

It is equally important for a director to lead by example: to be an advocate for change, an advocate for advancement, an advocate for continuing education.

Supporting an initiative to foster continuing education will not only strengthen the individual, but strengthen the agency as a whole.

We Work So Others Can Play

Have you heard the phrase, "We work so others can play"? This cannot be more true. Professionals working in this field have the unique opportunity to improve the well-being of people from all walks of life. You provide recreational opportunities that benefit newborns to seniors - and everyone in between.

But there are challenges we face that can inhibit the services we provide to the community. Budget limitations. Changing demographics. Changing attitudes. The list can go on and on. Without the commitment to learning in the workplace, you might continue to serve your community in the tried and true way that was sufficient for the past, but not the future.

The IPRA Advantage

The IPRA has made significant efforts to increase the value of its continuing education and learning. A hard working group of members has volunteered to assist with developing and strengthening our educational offerings. We, too, must address the changing population that is our membership.

You will find that in 2008 the educational workshops will be more in line with what works for you. You have been surveyed, and we value your responses. It is our job now to exceed the educational needs and wants, so you, the professional, can advance your career and the community you serve.

Education is an ongoing battle that requires your feedback. You have made a decision to join a professional association, and we must do our part to serve you in the best possible way. Let us know what you want. Let us know how we can tailor your professional association to fit your needs.

Make Your MARC

This past year, the IPRA introduced the MARC card - the Membership Activity Rewards Card. Professional members of the association now have an added incentive to take part in continuing their education through the association's offerings. The MARC card entitles each professional member to a $50 credit to be used toward any IPRA-specific educational workshop.

Hopefully you have found this card to be a catalyst in getting you active in the association. In 2008, the card will serve an even greater function. Every time you get involved in the IPRA - whether it's attending an educational workshop, attending a section meeting, serving on a committee, participating in an event and more - you will gain MARC points. Points will accumulate overtime and can be redeemed for discounts on a variety of IPRA offerings.

For every director reading this, now is the time to get all of your staff involved with the IPRA. The MARC card can be viewed as an automatic $50 off their professional membership dues and as a way for them to become more educated in the best practices of serving your community.

More information about the MARC card will be shared online at ILipra.org/MARC, as well as when you renew your membership with IPRA.

8 Illinois Parks & Recreation www.ILipra.org

Start Your Learning Initiative with Conference

In just a short couple months, thousands of professionals, elected officials and advocates of the parks and recreation field will gather once again in Chicago for the 2008 Soaring to New Heights Conference. I urge each and every one of you to attend the conference with a passion for learning.

Make a commitment to yourself and your agency by attending the conference this year with a fresh outlook on continuing education. Attend as many sessions as possible. Take notes diligently. Make new contacts. Then return to work and put into action what you've learned.

Remember the phrase mentioned earlier, "We work so others can play." Work as hard as you can at conference so others can play even more!

I hope to see each and every one of you advance your professional careers in 2008.

What will you learn from the 2008 Soaring to New Heights Conference?

The IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, coming up this January 24th through the 26th, is an excellent opportunity for you to expand your knowledge base and grow as a professional. The conference presents an ideal opportunity for you to thrive in an environment and profession that values learning. This year's conference offers a multitude of quality educational sessions, valuable networking opportunities and an exhibit hall showcasing companies and products devoted to improving the services you provide.

Here's how you can take advantage of this annual event:

At the conference

--  Approach the conference with the purpose of gaining insights into new methods and practices to bring back to your agency.

--   Plan ahead to attend appropriate sessions and networking opportunities.

--  Attend with an open mind.

--   Meet people with similar responsibilities and professional interests.

--  Get to know your peers. They're your greatest assets in ensuring a successful career.

After the conference

--  Share materials from educational sessions with staff and board members.

--  Share new ideas gleaned from the conference in your upcoming staff meetings.

--   Filter new information to the right staff members.

--   Make changes to your own practices based on something you learned at the conference.

--   Follow through with the resources you jotted down in educational sessions or contacts made while networking.

--  Call that person on the business card to get further information about that great idea he or she had that you would like to implement at your agency.

9 www.ILparks.org November/December 2007