Don't Miss Out!

The deadline to apply for ProConnect is tomorrow by 5:00 PM Friday, August 7. The application and brochure are available online. 

As I look back at those who participated last year, we accepted 74 participants, of whom 12 were already executive directors. Of the remaining people, 24% have a new title at work since they applied a year ago, and almost all of those people were promoted at the same agency they were with last year. This is a great testimony to the way this program supports both the professional’s personal growth and the development of a great team of leaders for the supporting agency. Survey results show that 96% of respondents were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the program, 96% would recommend this program to a friend or colleague, and 93% intended to continue their mentoring relationships.

 

IPRA designed this program as a member benefit and it is only available to current IPRA members. I know we did something right in our design of this member benefit, because with all three levels of professions- early career mid-level, and advanced professionals included, 97% of participants renewed their IPRA dues. Again, we feel this speaks volumes in terms of the connection participants felt with this program and their mentors and mentees. I so appreciate everyone who applied and participated in last year’s inaugural class and I hope that many more will seek out the program and apply for the 2015-2016 program. This program even received national attention for IPRA as we received a national award in innovation for this program from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and I will be speaking at the ASAE conference next week on this mentoring program as a model for other associations to serve their members. You do not want to miss out on this experience to grow in your personal and professional development. The deadline, again, is tomorrow!

In southern Illinois, we rolled out ProConnect South in partnership with the Southern Illinois Park and Recreation Association (SIPRA) and were thrilled that in the southern region alone, we have accepted 11 people into the program in its inaugural year. They have their first event in mid-August which includes zip lining or wine tasting as a networking opportunity for the mentors and mentees to get to know each other. We are thrilled for this new program and opportunity to serve our southern region members. 

In other news, as I noted in my last column, the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF) recently rolled out a new approach for student and professional scholarships. Student scholarships are available to attend the IPRA/IAPD conference in January. Professional scholarships are available for need-based, merit-based, Diversity Scholarship for Professional Development School, and the Rod Aiken Scholarship for Leadership Academy. Professional scholarships can be used for any professional development opportunity through IPRA or other organization. These applications have been streamlined and are available, along with a handbook of additional information, on the IPRA website. 

It is a busy time for park and recreation professionals. I hope you have a fantastic end of your summer and the weather cooperates with all your programs and special events.