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Growing community through advocacy
Local park and recreation agencies provide spaces, programs and services that are essential to a community’s vitality. Many community members seek out these spaces and programs to improve their mental and physical health, find resources for their nutrition needs, and connect with their fellow community members. For younger community members, parks and recreation may mean sports, leadership development, mentorship or their first job opportunity. A community can grow and flourish when their local park and recreation professionals are provided for and have the funding they need.
As more and more federal funding became available for park and recreation agencies, NRPA recognized that a full-time employee focused on these resources was needed. Thus, the executive branch specialist position was created. This role focuses on tracking the multitude of funding opportunities available through the federal government, communicating these opportunities to members, providing educational opportunities to learn more about funding and how to apply effectively, and providing other forms of support members may need.
When I was hired for this role, I knew the information I provided to members would result in park and recreation professionals receiving funds that enable them to provide critical programming, manage and maintain their outdoor spaces, and continue to build resilient communities. Communications about these opportunities needed to be efficient and easily accessible, so I began by utilizing NRPA’s Open Space blog — you may have seen some of the posts! Each blog post provided quick information about the funding: who was eligible, how it could be used, how much money was available, etc., as well as some examples from fellow agencies that already have utilized similar or the same funds.
Next, I incorporated NRPA Connect by sharing individual posts about opportunities NRPA deemed high priority for members, as well as weekly funding updates. Be sure to join NRPA Connect to access this resource. These updates provide a multitude of opportunities, including geographically specific funding and opportunities for agencies to partner with other organizations. Of course, there also is NRPA’s Grant and Fundraising Resources webpage, which is periodically updated with funding available through the federal government, NRPA and other resources.
As this position continues to develop, the main focus will remain on supporting professionals as they help their communities grow. With federal resources, park and recreation agencies will continue to act as Community Wellness Hubs, stewards of the lands they manage and vital resources for programming that brings their community members together. What’s more, NRPA’s Public Policy and Advocacy team is a key resource for you, so be sure to reach out with questions and feedback!
Elyse Gentile is Executive Branch Specialist at NRPA.