July 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 58

The Citizen's Network
challenges you to step up for
America's Backyard
As individuals committed to protecting public parks and
recreation across the country, we know and appreciate
that our parks are one big backyard-America's Backyard.
Think back to some of your best childhood memories-we
bet they took place in a park. We have a chance to make
sure those memories continue for future generations.
As citizen members of NRPA, we provide the most direct
link to the public in our communities. Individuals and
community groups can all support America's Backyard
simply by making a donation. We know firsthand how our
parks touch so many different types of people-old, young,
families, country or city folks, scout troops, baseball teams,
foundations, and neighborhood associations.
What's in it for you? From now until August 30th, the
individual who brings in the most donation dollars for
America's Backyard will receive a Nook Color with a
leather carrying case. In case of a tie, the citizen who has
recruited the most " Friends " to America's Backyard will
be the winner. But the real reward is the satisfaction in
knowing what kind of future you are providing in parks and
recreation for generations to come.
By now we hope you are asking yourself how to do this.
It's simple:
* Encourage your friends to become fans of America's
Backyard on Facebook, where we already have more
than 700 followers.
* Inspire individuals and community groups to donate
to America's Backyard either online or via mail. On
the form, donors can indicate how they heard about
America's Backyard, and can fill in their name so that
credit is given. You and your friends can access the
donation page via the America's Backyard Facebook
page or through www.americasbackyard.org.
We want to hear from you, your successes and ideas. Let's
show NRPA that the Citizen Network supports America's
Backyard!
Thanks for your support,
Peter Camin
Chair
Citizen Network

56 Parks & Recreation

Jennifer Harnish
Chair-elect
Citizen Network

J U LY 2 0 1 1

www.NRPA .ORG

Corporate Partnerships
America's Backyard serves as a platform for creating cause marketing partnerships with corporations
to secure financial support for the movement. Since
NRPA launched America's Backyard last year, four
corporations and six national partners have stepped
forward to support this initiative, including the
Walmart Foundation, the Hershey Company, Pitney
Bowes, SNAG (Starting New at Golf), Major League
Baseball, PGA, NBA, and USTA. These relationships
with national organizations not only increase individual parks' ability to fundraise but increase awareness
of the importance of parks among these entities' customers and members at the local level.
In fact, companies recognize and appreciate the
brand that America's Backyard represents, with its
new cause-related marketing opportunities. By leveraging corporate social responsibility strategies,
America's Backyard serves as a vehicle for businesses to support parks and recreation through their own
public relations and communication channels. Large
corporations have the capacity to reach a bigger audience through their marketing and advertisements
that far surpasses our current organizational capabilities. Corporations also advocate for municipal funding for infrastructure by adding their " voice " to the
cause. Additionally, corporations can engage their
employees at the national, state, and local levels to
volunteer in their local parks.

You can make a difference!
The reality is that thousands of parks, playgrounds,
and recreational facilities are in disrepair or closing
in cities and communities across America due to
budget deficits, new tax policies, and infrastructure
maintenance demands. In response to this deepening crisis, the time has come for the public to take
action and make a difference. America's Backyard
provides a steady, sustainable growth program to
support the park and recreation movement.
Won't you join us? You can become an advocate, get more information, or make a donation at
www.americasbackyard.org. Become a friend
of America's Backyard at www.facebook.com/

July 2011 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2011 - Parks & Recreation