| IPRA Today - Ian Hill Will Be Here April 26 - Remote Viewing Locations Available! | Editorial link | www.ilipra.org |
Greetings!
Ian has been a keynote speaker at NRPA and several other park and recreation state association conferences including Florida, Rhode Island, Michigan, Missouri and Northern New England. When he was growing up his life was influenced by someone in parks and recreation who he credits as turning his life around. Fast forward, he has become an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader in the US and Canada. He has been described as "North America’s leading advocate for those in the recreation and parks profession." Prior attendees have said this about him: "'Inspiration' is an understated way of expressing the impact Ian Hill has had on parks and recreation professionals around the country. His passionate message about building 'community' and each individual taking responsibility for contributing to the welfare of all members of our communities is heartfelt and impactful to each person who has the opportunity to hear him speak. He has truly been a 'gift' to those of us who work in the parks and recreation profession. He has re-affirmed the value of our work to the communities we serve." – Pam Earle, NRPA Pacific Regional Director "I cannot remember any other speaker who sincerely made me feel the truthfulness, honesty, motivation and compassion he displayed. He made me realize that everyone has responsibilities regardless of excuses. I am proud to say that since Ian's presentation, I have taken on those additional responsibilities, and his presence in my life has driven me to become a better person." – Ronald M. Davis, Past President, Michigan Recreation & Parks Association Ian was recently the keynote speaker at IPRA’s Professional Development School in Decatur. IPRA attendees said this about him: "I have never had a speaker at any park district function that conveyed his level of passion and urgency for our profession. He truly lit the fire under many of us as to why we chose this profession." "He was captivating and made you feel accountable and passion for your job, which many in the industry seem to lose after numerous years in the field. He was by far the best speaker I have heard at any conference or function." IPRA pays more than 50 percent of the per-person cost for this event as a way to give back to our members. Registration is already open for this April 26 event on IPRA’s website. Again, there are viewing locations in Edwardsville, Oak Brook, Huntley and Champaign. You will not want to miss this event! Speaking of education, the first class of the IPRA Leadership Academy program is getting ready to graduate. Graduation is April 12. Each graduate has been given two tickets to attend graduation. The Education Committee is working hard to finalize plans for the second year of the program using evaluations from this year’s attendees. It will be one day a month for six months and there will continue to be three levels of training: early career, mid-career and advanced career. In year two, all attendees will come to class on the same day each month to allow for cross-level networking and mentoring. Additionally, we have added a group assignment component and networking events. Applications will open on graduation day, April 12, and we will accept applications until 8 a.m. on Monday, June 3. Only 30 people per level will be accepted into this competitive program. Finally, speaking of our plans for the future, IPRA is involved in our strategic planning focus groups around the state. Next week, our strategic planning consultant, Dr. Ann Atkinson, and I will be doing our strategic planning tour, joining up with our Chair, Allison Niemela. We have seven focus groups planned: one in southern Illinois (Mt. Vernon), one in central Illinois (Champaign), one in northwest Illinois (Rockford), two in the Chicago metro area (La Grange), one for all section boards and one for young professionals. Additionally, Ann, Allison and I will be meeting with local IPRA leaders and board members in each area. Ann and I are meeting in southern Illinois and working our way around the state. Many thanks to all the people who are hosting focus groups at their agencies or attending the focus groups to share their voices and participate in determining the future of IPRA. I look forward to seeing all of you at these focus groups and hearing what you have share. IPRA is your organization and we want to ensure that our future plan meets your needs. If you have questions about any of these items, please feel free to email me at debbie@ilipra.org. See you all soon at the Focus Groups, Leadership Academy Graduation (don’t forget to apply soon) and the Education Institute with Ian Hill! – Debbie Trueblood, CAE |
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