January 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 33

time visiting with state association
members across the country, and the
young professionals who are quickly
becoming leaders in the field are the
ones who actively sought involvement on the state and local levels.
Ultimately, state associations offer an
opportunity to give back, which can
be the greatest reward and benefit
of membership. The park and recreation industry advances only when
its members are active participants
and contribute to bettering communities across the country.
So, get started! Here is how you can
get active in your state association:

Show up
Woody Allen is often quoted
as saying, " Eighty percent of success is showing up! " Sign up for
membership in your state association and show up. Attending conferences, social events and workshops, participating in mentorships,
etc., will give you valuable professional development opportunities
throughout your career. Most states
offer volunteer opportunities at
conferences to help facilitate education sessions. This is a great way for
students or young professionals to
attend a conference without having
to pay the registration fees.

Start or join a young
professional group
Contact the executive director of
your state association and ask if
there is a young professional group
within the association. If not, ask
how you can help form one. Most
executive directors would love an
up-and-coming young professional
to work with and engage others just
starting out in their careers. They
will also know what activities would
be most effective in that area.

Participate in a
committee or on
leadership teams
Most state associations have various committees to
help produce publications, conferences, awards,
social
events,
etc. There are
several opportunities during
the year to
get involved in
state association
programs
and
activities. Joining and being active will help you
take advantage of
those opportunities. In addition,
run for office.
Most states have
open positions for board
of directors, treasurer, secretary
and other positions to oversee association happenings. Taking on a
leadership position will ensure networking and learning from others.

Network, network, network
When you go to conferences or
activities, put yourself out there and
meet other professionals. Networking can come easier on a state level.
Young professionals can forge relationships with other members, which
can pay off when needing referrals or
recommendations for programs and
projects or even when looking for a
new job. Professional meetings and
leisure gatherings create the opportunity to meet and mingle with peers.
Organization members are generally
willing to help other members so these

settings are a great way to brainstorm
with others who are also looking to
share and learn new information.

Share information
Whether you are a student, recent graduate or young professional,
you probably know someone else
who is just beginning their career in
parks and recreation. Share what you
learn from getting involved and help
in their professional development as
well. Also, share experiences with
other colleagues about what programs work and do not work. That
advice is more pertinent on a local
level when offered by those facing
similar circumstances.
Skyler Beck, CPRP, is the Valmont Park
Manager for Boulder Parks and Recreation
(becks@bouldercolorado.gov).

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January 2015 - Parks & Recreation

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