IPRA Today - Growing Careers One Introduction at a Time

The End of Summer is Just Around the Corner!

So, as you begin to dig your way out of your summer time priorities, and start thinking about fall, I wanted to remind you of all the programs and events that you might not have been thinking about coming up on the calendar. So that as you can refocus on the bigger picture, your professional development, networking, education, your career, you can see all the opportunities you have soon.

First, IPRA rolled out our new mentoring program, ProConnect, and applications and brochures are available on the website. This is a unique three-tiered mentoring program for early career, advanced career, and seasoned professionals and retirees. It has a clear start and end date. It is limited to a small number of people this first year, and acceptance will be based on applications. So, I encourage you to submit your application soon before the September 3 deadline. This program is only $50 and has five events provided over six months. It is an excellent way to advance your career and give back by helping others. ProConnect is in partnership with the University of St Francis. I am grateful for all the hard work the Mentoring Task Force continues to do to ensure this will be a successful program in its inaugural year. Our first event is October 22 in Wood Dale.

Further, just like the kids, fall is when IPRA goes back to school. Listed below are all four of our upcoming fall schools:

1.   Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Leadership Summit is September 11 in Bartlett.
2.   Supervisor Symposium is September 23 and 24 in Elk Grove.
3.   Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) is October 21-23 in St Charles.
4.   Professional Development School (PDS) is November 9-12 in Decatur.

More information and registration for these and other IPRA upcoming events is available online.

Further, we are proud partners of the Illinois Youth Sport Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois. This event is by invitation only on September 23-24. More information can be found online.

If you are a new member or looking to re-engage in IPRA, we have two upcoming events. We have a free Open House and Association Update on August 27 at 5:30 PM in La Grange and a New Member Webinar on September 26 at 10:00 AM. Registration for both events is available online.

The IPRA Board and I will be volunteering at Park District and Conservation Day at the State Fair on August 16 in Springfield I’m sure they will still accept additional volunteers if you are interested.

IRPA has a social at NRPA’s conference again this year. It will be Wednesday night of conference, October 15 at 6:00-8:00 PM Eastern Time at Cosmos Cafe, 300 N. College St, Charlotte, NC. If you're going to NRPA, please put this on your calendar. It’s a great event, you whole team are welcome. The event is free with a business card entry, appetizers provided and drinks are self-pay.

Finally, I also want to congratulate IPRA’s Senior Committee of the Recreation Section on another successful year in the Six County Senior Games. Over 500 seniors came out to recreate over ten days. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to check out the photos on our Facebook page. I visited the billiard event and the seniors were having a great time! A big congratulations to everyone who made that event possible.

Good luck everyone as you wrap up your summer programs. We can’t wait for fall education season right around the corner.

-Debbie Trueblood, CAE
Executive Director, IPRA

536 East Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525 | Phone: 708-588-2280 | Fax : 708-354-0535