nrps newsletter january 2012
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NRPS Newsletter January 2012TRANSCRIPT
NRPS Newsletter January 2012
Happy New
Year!
Happy New Year Everyone: Welcome back after a very joyous holiday season. I hope a lot of you were able to take some time off to be with friends and family and enjoy the wonderful recreation opportunities that Nevada and the West can provide. Starting the New Year usually brings with it some sort of resolutions. A lot of these revolve around losing weight, exercising, eating better, spending more time with friends and family or enjoying more of the outdoors. The great thing about all these resolutions is that they can be met by being more active in your local parks and recreation department. One great activity that accomplishes many of these resolutions is going for walks. Parks and trails are great places for walking and it is so good for you. Walking improves your circulation, reduces your weight, helps tone your muscles and improves your breathing. Walking is a great and healthy activity. If you walk on one of our trails, you have the added opportunity to enjoy some really great views and may even be able to see some unique wildlife. I hope your resolutions will include spending more time in the outdoors and enjoying all that parks and recreation has to offer. Have a great new year! Thanks, Dirk Richwine, President Nevada Parks and Recreation Society
Conference Update State Conference is only about three months away. It is time to make arrangements to attend this outstanding educational and networking event. The registration form is on our newly revised website (www.nrps.org). Those that register by April 2 will receive a discounted rate (only $130 for the full package). The committee was sensitive about the economic times, and kept prices low so that everyone had the opportunity to attend. If you would like to be put on a payment plan, contact Jeannette Palmer at 267-4126. For those seeking affordable continuing educational units (CEU’s), the state conference will a great opportunity to get them. You’ll only pay $20 if you register by Monday, April 2 ($25 after). Program Excellence and Elmer Anderson Award applications are due by Friday, March 2, 2012. All Nevada recreation programs and parks that have been developed within the last 5 years are eligible for the Program Excellence recognition. The Elmer Anderson Award honors outstanding park developments within the State of Nevada accomplished by federal, state, county, city, community, non-profit/civic organizations, religious groups, business and commercial agencies. For additional information, email Kathy Burkhardt at [email protected] or Pandora Bahlman at [email protected]. Registration is also open for the Certified Playground Safety. Participants will receive course materials, continental breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; lunch and snacks on Wednesday and Thursday. NRPS even provides transportation from the NRPS designated hotel to the CPSI Course & Exam. Check out the website for additional information. It isn’t too late to offer your assistance for conference. See the following page for chairs of the committees or contact me at [email protected].
The 2012 NRPS conference is on the horizon. We encourage all members and local professionals to join us at the conference and even assist in the planning process. If you would like to assist with a committee, please email
[email protected] or [email protected].
Conference Committees & Chairs:
•Awards- Pandora Bahlman & Kathy Burkhardt •Budget– Brady Dehn •Exhibitors- Shelly Gulotta & Doug Guild •Fundraising- Sarah Johnson •Playground Safety Institute- Felicia Rivera-Baker •Registration- Jeannette Palmer •Socials/Food- Nate Jaramillo •Speakers/Education- Jessica Laguna & Dirk Richwine •Technology/Logistics- Nick McLemore
The Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS) will be recognizing excellence in recreation programs and parks facilities at the 2012 NRPS Conference. The categories for recognition include:
•Children •Teen •Senior •Staff Development •Health/Fitness •Outdoor •Sports •Inclusive •New Recreational Concept •Co-Partnership •Special Event
The Elmer H. Anderson Park Excellence Awards, named after one of the founding members of NRPS, also will be honored to recognize park planning and design. Categories include:
•City/Community Park •Neighborhood and/or Mini Park •Special Feature •Commercial Projects •Park and Facility Renovation •Trails/Nature Areas
Applications can be found on the website www.nrps.org and are due by March 2, 2012. Start thinking about your agency’s latest and greatest recreation program and/or park and take this opportunity to be recognized for the outstanding, creative community services you provide! For additional information access the NRPS website or email [email protected] or [email protected].
Discount Room Rates Discounted room reservations are available at Hampton Inn and Sunset
Station .
Option #1: Reserve at Hampton Inn by calling (702) 992-9292 and use code “NRP” .
Standard Room is $66.00 per night. Choose either two deluxe queen beds or one deluxe king bed.
What is included: Complimentary hot and hearty breakfast served daily Complimentary coffee and tea 24 hours Complimentary evening manager’s reception with non alcoholic
beverages, beer, wine, and appetizers Tuesday – Thursday Complimentary freshly baked cookies with cold milk each evening Refrigerator and Microwave in every guest room Free High Speed Internet Access throughout the hotel On site guest Laundry facility Heated Outdoor Pool and Spa Fitness Center Complimentary parking Business Center with complimentary photo copies, computers, and
printer Offers both interior and exterior doors on the first floor Excellent location for attractions such as bowling, movies and live gaming
casinos Short distance to the Galleria Mall, offering major retail stores and
restaurants Shuttle service available for airport transfers, pick up/drop off to Las
Vegas strip and within the 3 miles radius of the hotel
Option #2: Reserve at Sunset Station by phone, call 1 (800) 978-2846 and use code
“SCINRPS”. Standard Room is $59.00 per night. Choose either two deluxe queen beds or one deluxe king bed. Reserve at www.Sunset Station.com.
What is included: Free breakfast Excellent location for attractions such as bowling, movies and live gaming Short distance to the Galleria Mall, offering major retail stores and
restaurants 8 restaurants onsite
COURSE DATES: APRIL 18 – 19, 2012
EXAM DATE: APRIL 20, 2012
BLACK MOUNTAIN RECREATION CENTER 599 GREENWAY ROAD HENDERSON, NV 89015
CPSI COURSE & EXAM FEES: NRPS/NRPA MEMBER: $550.00 OR NON-MEMBER: $625.00 CPSI EXAM ONLY FEES: NRPS/NRPA MEMBER: $125.00 OR NON-MEMBER: $150.00 FEES INCLUDES: COURSE MATERIALS, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ON WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY; LUNCH AND SNACKS ON WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY. ALSO INCLUDED: TRANSPORTATION FROM THE NRPS DESIGNATED HOTEL TO THE CPSI COURSE & EXAM.. REGISTER AT WWW.NRPS.ORG.
President-Dirk Richwine, CPRP
Past Pres.-Sven Leff, CPRP Pres. Elect-Jayne
Mazurkiewicz, CPRP Vice Pres. North-Al Rogers Vice Pres. South-Daniel
McLean Secretary-Sarah Johnson Treasurer-Brady Dehn Members At Large North-
Pandora Bahlman Jennifer Budge Joel Dunn Danny Gleich
Members At Large South-
Nate Jaramillo Nick McLemore Jeannette Palmer Felicia Rivera-Baker
PSP North-Johnathan
Skinner PSC North-Linda Fearnley PSP South-Shelly Gulotta PSC South-Dundee Jones
NRPS is searching for qualified and excited
professionals who will lead NRPS into the next chapter of the parks and recreation profession.
Nominations are due, Monday, February 13,
2012 and the nomination form will be available soon. Elections will begin Friday, February 17, and will end Friday, March 2, 2012.
2012 Election Nominations Please nominate individuals you feel are
qualified for any of the positions below. Nominees must be current NRPS members, please check the members page if you are not sure of an individuals' status. You may make nominations for more than one position, but please submit one form per nominee, per position.
Submit nominations at www.nrps.org.
The NRPS Aquatic Committee is made up of aquatic professionals throughout the southern Nevada area.
Members meet the 2nd
Wednesday every other month to discuss aquatic trends, programming, staffing, operations and hot topics.
In addition, the committee
organizes several events throughout the year; Health & Safety Expo, Southern Nevada Lifeguard Games and a Recreational Swim Meet.
Please visit our contact page
on NRPS.org if you would like to contact our board members to receive additional information on any of our events, attending a meeting or becoming a member.
Board Members 2011 Jessica Laguna, Past Chair Brady Dehn, Chair Trevor Snow, Vice Chair Ericka Taggart, Secretary Dave Castle, Treasurer
Did you know… Scholarships are available
for Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training Instructor,
Lifeguard Management, Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED classes?
Contact 702-595-0010 for more information.
Location: Austin, Texas Dates: February 12-16, 2012 Registration is now open for the Association of Aquatic Professionals first annual Aquatic Conference/Institute and Trade Show! The Conference is being held at the Renaissance Hotel located in Austin, TX from February 12-16, 2012! There will be something for everyone involved in every aspect of the aquatic professional. Click here to view the AOAP Conference sessions. Registration materials can be found on the website under the Conference and Education page. http://associationofaquaticprofessionals.org/index.cfm?load=event&event=1 Standard Registration (If registering and paying from October 2, 2011 - January 6, 2012) AOAP Member: $275 / NonMember: $375 Late Registration (If registering and paying after January 6, 2012) AOAP Member: $300 / NonMember: $400
The Nevada Recreation and Parks Society (NRPS) is a non-profit, professional organization, founded in 1958. Its main purpose is to promote the growth and development of Nevada recreation and parks. NPRS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).
NPRS has several levels of membership to meet the needs of
all parks and recreation professionals, students, retirees, agencies, and affiliates.
PROFESSIONAL
This category includes persons who are or have been employed full time in an executive, leadership or supportive staff capacity within a public or private agency or department of recreation or parks or educational institution. ($30)
RETIRED PROFESSIONAL This category includes any persons over 45 years of age, who has been a Professional Member of NRPS, NRPA, or an NRPA Affiliate for a minimum of ten (10) years and has officially retired from a qualified professional position. ($15)
ASSOCIATE This category includes persons who are employed part time or volunteers within the recreation and parks field, and who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($15)
STUDENT This category includes persons who are enrolled full time in high school, colleges or universities with an interest in parks and recreation or an allied field. ($10)
AGENCY This category includes the Agency Director and members of the policy or advisory board or commission. Dues are based on full time employee (FTE) equivalent. ($250 – 20 FTE’s or more; $150 – under 20 FTE’s)
ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION AND AFFILIATE This category includes national, state, and local organizations, hospitals, colleges, universities, clubs, and local, state or regional societies and organizations. ($50)
COMMERCIAL This category includes all vendors, commercial and for-profit organizations who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($50)
HONORARY May be bestowed upon those persons approved by this society’s Executive Board.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CEU opportunities Educational sessions and
exhibits at state conference On-line training (through
NRPA) Presentations at luncheons Annual Conference Materials
and Presentations - Online STATEWIDE INFORMATION Job postings Event calendar Email notifications/updates
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND
AWARENESS NETWORKING AND
MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES
Membership Directory Resource Committees Luncheons Committee Work Links to agencies Facility tours Socials DISCOUNTED RATES State conference Training RECOGNITION Scholarships Awards LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Committees Executive Board Pacific Southwest Regional Citizen members
Our mission is to support and recognize members of the Society and to promote Recreation and Parks as an essential service in Nevada.
NRPS Vision Statement We support the National Recreation & Park
Association and the benefits of Recreation and Parks for citizens of the State of Nevada. We serve with pride, leadership and professionalism.
We Believe in creativity and innovative problem solving. We Believe in encouraging and promoting diversity in our membership. We Believe in recognizing the accomplishments of members and agencies. We Believe in members’ input to shape our vision through strategic planning. We Believe in cooperation, communications, teamwork and consensus building for the citizens, the Society and the agencies we serve.
On February 10, 2012 you are invited to attend the Las Vegas Wranglers
hockey game at 7:05pm at the Orleans Arena. Tickets are $12.75 for Adults (13 and up), $6.00 for youth (12 and Under). Please contact either Nate
Jaramillo at 455-0566 or Felicia Rivera-Baker at 267-4140 for more
information.
Please send submissions for the NRPS monthly newsletter to
[email protected] We want to hear from you!
Advocacy is a process of strengthening public and political understanding and commitment to public parks and recreation. Advocacy involves finding ways to tell stor ies about parks and recreation and how it benefits our communities. In Nevada we have seen a decline in suppor t for parks and recreation at all levels.
Framing Your Message A consistent responsibility of all park and recreation professionals
is to convey the message of the importance of parks and recreation within our communities. Often lost in the desire to convey our message is the importance of understanding the communications process. Watching, or enduring, this year’s presidential aspirants is instructive. I’m not suggesting we adopt particular tactics, but rather, that we understand the process of communication and how to improve our effectiveness. One tool we can use is called “Framing.” Framing refers to how an issue is characterized and how it is understood by audiences. It is has been characterized as the “central organizing idea or storyline that provides meaning to an unfolding strip of events” (Gason & Modigliana, 1987, p. 143). More directly, it refers to methods of presentation that we as park and recreation professionals use to present information in a way that resonates with those we are targeting view of the world. Immediately we understand that the presentation of data is important, but its value is based upon our audience’s perception of the world and how well we understand their view.
Several years ago I published a research study looking at community leaders’ perspectives of the urban forest. A colleague and I interviewed a number of community leaders and developed a model of the progression of knowledge and understanding of the urban forest. In a companion piece we provided two graphics of how individuals viewed the urban forest: That of the urban forester, depicting a satellite photo of a community showing a robust urban forest; and that of a politician showing an individual tree. While that may seem extreme, it effectively addresses the challenge of how others see our profession. As professionals we have a comprehensive view with our own language. Those we are trying to influence do not see the parks and recreation as we do, but rather from their own experiences and knowledge. They do not share the same training, background, or commitment. We cannot communicate to them in the same way we communicate to ourselves.
Framing helps us to develop a message that is relevant, consistent, understandable, and receivable by those we are targeting. It also helps us understand the importance of selecting which part of our message needs to be communicated.
Research tells us that only a portion of the total message should actually be conveyed. That information is emphasized and becomes the focus for those receiving the message. If the recipients of the message are decision and/or policy makers the message can become the focus of evaluation and choice making.
Ultimately we are striving to influence decision and policy makers. In some cases these individuals are experts in parks and recreation, but most of the time they are not. They are what the literature calls novices, but only as it relates to parks and recreation. Most of these individuals are experts in policy making, or at least perceive themselves in that role. We should never perceive ourselves as experts in policy making, but rather as influencers of policy and contributes to their knowledge base.
In NRPS’s communication process, framing suggests that we use repetition focusing on the same objects and traits always using identical or synonymous words and symbols in a series of similar communications focused over a period of time. When done in this manner it results in a message that promotes an understanding of a problematic situation resulting in a desirable response. From our perspective, it requires that our message be focused, direct, supported with facts, examples, and testimonials, and is characterized by repeated words and symbols.
In many ways it is not very different from an effective marketing campaign, except that our message is focused at key groups of individuals and targeted for a specific purpose. Our target groups include the general public (users and nonusers - taxpayers), elected and appointed city and county officials, and state legislators. The fames will only infrequently be identical for all 3 groups.
You can use framing now in your organization’s communication process. NRPS will be developing their framing process over the next few months as we prepare for the next legislative session.
Bikes Belong Coalition for Bicycle
Facilities and Advocacy Projects, Deadline: Feb 29. Up to $10K to improve bicycling in the U.S. by building trails and paths or large-scale advocacy programs. Info & app: http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/
National Alliance for Accessible Golf
for Individuals With Disabilities, Deadline: Rolling. Up to $20K to provide golf programs for individuals with disabilities. Info & app: http://www.accessgolf.org/grants/
alliance_grants.cfm
Grant Opportunities
Grant Training Nevada State Health Division and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop in Carson City, March 26-27, 2012. This training is applicable to grant seekers across all disciplines. Attend this class and you'll learn how to find grants and write winning grant proposals. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend. Multi-enrollment discounts and discounts for Grant Writing USA returning alumni are available. Tuition payment is not required at the time of enrollment. Tuition is $425 and includes all materials: workbook and accompanying 420MB resource CD that's packed full of tools and more than 200 sample grant proposals. Seating is limited, online reservations are necessary. More information including learning objectives, class location, graduate testimonials and online registration is available at grantwritingusa.com If you prefer friendly, personal service, please call or write: The Client Services Team at Grant Writing USA 800.814.8191 [email protected] More than 10,000 agencies across North America have turned to Grant Writing USA for grant writing and grant management training.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: THE VEGAS VALLEY BOOK
FESTIVAL 2012 THE VEGAS VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL (VVBF) INVITES ARTISTS RESIDING IN SOUTHERN NEVADA TO SUBMIT QUALIFICATIONS TO CREATE A SUITE OF THREE ORIGINAL ART WORKS AS THE OFFICIAL POSTERS OF THE ANNUAL LITERARY FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 1-4, 2012. THE THREE ARTWORKS WILL CELEBRATE THE MAIN BOOK FESTIVAL, THE VEGAS VALLEY CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL AND THE VEGAS VALLEY COMIC BOOK FESTIVAL. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE FOR SUBMISSIONS AND THE SELECTED ARTIST WILL RECEIVE AN HONORARIUM OF $1,500. ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE FROM RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA AND RESIDENCY WILL BE VERIFIED. APPLICATION DEADLINE IN FEBRUARY 10, 2012. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.VEGASVALLEYBOOKFESTIVAL.ORG
The following article is from the
National Parks Service. It highlights successes for the parks and
recreation field in 2011.
http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/whatwedo/projects/NV.pdf
