September 2012 - Parks & Recreation - 36

FUTURE LEADERS continued from page 33

ethnicities, and social statuses throughout all eight wards of the District of
Columbia. Participation is marketed
through social networking sites such
as Twitter and Facebook, as well as
print marketing in recreation centers
and schools. There is a strong focus on
teens because research has proven that
they are the most at risk. It is critical for
park and recreation professionals and
lawmakers to understand the interrelationship of program participation and
decreased rates of at-risk activity. By
encouraging participation in genderbased programs, we initiate a chain of
positive outcomes for our young ladies.
Several evaluation tools have been used,
and according to our participants, these
programs have improved school performance, as well as decreased levels
of stress and depression. Many of them
say they " need love and mentorship from
positive female role models. "
The DCDPR has adopted the NRPA

initiatives of Parks Build Communities
and Conservation and has begun its
Move, Grow, and Be Green Citywide
Project. In compliance with this project,
the Young Ladies on the Rise program
has incorporated these themes in all of
the programming.
■ Move: The move component focuses on health and physical fitness. We
encourage healthy lifestyles through
healthy eating and lots of physical activity. Through this initiative, we also stress
the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, fair play, and adherence to rules.
■ Grow: The grow component is geared
toward personal growth and development. Our workshops allow young ladies
to talk about their feelings, fears, strengths,
and weaknesses as well as their accomplishments in a safe environment. We encourage them to be proactive and take
responsibility of their lives. The workshops
expose them to life skills, conflict resolution, heritage, and cultural enrichment.

■

Be Green: The D.C. Department of
Parks and Recreation has a robust role
in sustainability and the environment.
In an effort to save the earth and be
more substantial, participants are encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle. We also incorporate eco-friendly
concepts into workshops, activities,
and field trips.

TIFFANY JOHNSON, MPA , is
Supervisory Recreation Specialist with the
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation,
Chair of the YLOR Girls' Initiative, 2007
NRPA Mid-Atlantic Network Young
Professional, 2010 American Academy for
Park and Recreation Administration's
Ernest T. Atwell Young Professional
Diversity Extern, 2011 Mid- Atlantic
Network and National Recreation and
Park Association New Professional Award
recipient, and Chair-Elect of the National
Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority
Society.

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34 Parks & Recreation S E P T E M B E R

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September 2012 - Parks & Recreation

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