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Writing the Next Chapter of IPRA

All of you are witnessing the reinvention of IPRA. We are in the process of shaping a new face for our beloved Association. Perception is reality so we need to continually define what that face will look like, how it will change and what about the face will remain the same.

My first job in the field was at the age of 14 working for the Davenport Park and Recreation Department’s children’s theater in Iowa. I taught acting lessons to elementary-age children for the after school theater program. One of my favorite lessons to teach was improvisation. We can all learn a lot from improvisation. The first rule of improvisation is to agree with the suggestions given to you. You must remain open minded and work with your partner no matter what ideas are tossed at you. For instance, if someone puts their hand out and says, "Stop! Don’t you see the stop sign?" The person’s partner isn’t going to say, "No, all I saw was your hand extended in my face!"

The thing about the rule of agreement is that it leads you to a great open-minded starting place. Wherever you find yourself, or whatever the task or the problem at hand, you have to make sure you’re part of the solution. You can’t just point out the problem, sit back and hope the other person will carry out the rest of the improvisation.

I share this with you because this is what we must do as an association. We will be conducting focus groups around the state this year and I challenge you to start with a "yes" in all your interactions then see where it takes you. Instead of asking ourselves "Why?" we need to ask "Why not?".

IPRA has hired consultant Ann Atkinson to facilitate the development of a three-year strategic master plan for our association. Ann is world renowned in the association industry for her work. Ann will be challenging you to pause and reflect, and take the time to find out what’s important to you in order for our Association to continue to be an industry leader. Remember the number one rule of improvisation: be open to the ideas. We are architects of change. We will develop our own compass for IPRA by working together.

IPRA’s tagline, "Learn, Connect, Inspire," is our Association’s driving force behind everything we do to improve membership services. Education, resources and networking will continue to be top priorities.

IPRA has found gold in Debbie Trueblood. Debbie is one of the savviest people I know. She is a visionary who is open minded, creative and ambitious. Her work ethic is incredible. She is a calming voice of reason for the Association. Please support her this year as she takes on the third year of the three year master plan while simultaneously working with the board and staff to map out a new three year plan for the future.

Help us write IPRA’s story and then be brave enough to communicate it. Decisions are made by those who contribute.

– Allison Niemela, CPRP

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