Advocacy Committee - New Members 2023

The Advocacy Committee is dedicated to advancing NRPA’s public policy goals with the aim of supporting its mission to enhance quality of life for all through the power of parks and recreation. Guided by the core pillars of equity, health and wellness, and conservation, the Advocacy Committee will support NRPA’s public policy goals aimed at strengthening the field of parks and recreation.
Please review the detailed description.

Primary responsibilities of the committee in strong partnership with NRPA Staff include:

• Assessing and developing legislative agendas in association with each Congress
• Assessing and developing administrative agendas in association with each Administration
• Advising NRPA on advocacy campaigns and related strategies such as bi-partisan messaging campaigns
• Serving as NRPA public policy ambassadors by directly engaging in advocacy, activating others to take action, and supporting NRPA engagement with partners and coalitions
• Strengthening alliances with other national associations and organizations to increase our influence on critical issues that are mutually beneficial 

While all interested individuals are encouraged to apply, the committee has identified these priority profiles in this year's recruitment:

• Seeking to improve racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the committee, specific focus on LGBTQ+ and indigenous people
• Seeking expertise in universal access and how new park builds or rebuilds can meet the needs of individuals with disabilities (also applies to recreation programming)
• Seeking representation from rural communities
• Seeking unaffiliated members (non leadership roles)

Commitment:

• Regularly attend monthly NRPA Advocacy Committee meetings and provide relevant information to facilitate shared knowledge and constructive discussions for planning advocacy activities
• Actively engage with NRPA staff to contribute to and promote advocacy-related activities that support our mission
• Report on the status of action items
• Commit to attending and documenting relationships and meetings (e.g., dates and discussion topics) with congressional offices in support of NRPA public policy goals
• Help identify future members for the committee, and
• Participate in an annual evaluation survey of the committee
• Term is one years -- can be renewed

Service on the Advocacy Committee may be submitted for 2 Professional Service Experience (PSE) points which can assist in renewal of CPRP or CPRE certifications as the equivalent to 0.2 CEUs.

All applicants are notified of their application status by January 16, 2024.