Have you checked out IPRAConnect yet? We've just added additional communities, including Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Park & Natural Resource Management, Recreation & Therapeutic Recreation. Log in using your IPRA username and password to see this latest member benefit for yourself!

There are many models for raising financial support for parks and recreation agencies: foundations, friends groups, partners groups and operating organizations. Learn about each of these nonprofit models, what is required to start one and successfully operate it, and what pitfalls to watch for.

Time to recertify or looking to become certified? Registration is now open for the August 4-6 CPSI training course to be held at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, IL. This special summer course has been added to accommodate a growing demand.  Space is limited. Beat the fall rush and ensure your seat at this popular, top-selling course. The registration deadline is July 10, 2015.  

Corporate partnership has changed dramatically over the past decade. The dynamic economy has impacted corporate giving, marketing and partnerships.

Most of us are terrific at taking care of our bosses, our families, our co-workers, our friends, our neighbors and anyone else who needs nurturing. But when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we just don't seem to have any time or energy left, right?

Professional Development School (PDS) is the longest-standing educational and networking opportunity offered by IPRA. The tradition of Illinois parks and recreation professionals attending PDS goes back many years, creating thousands of PDS graduates.

Rick Poole has taken over as the new executive director for the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association. He started his duties on May 11.

"IPRA Membership is important to me in two very important ways. The first is the education opportunities. From the workshops and webinars to conferences and many different schools and academies I have attended...IPRA provides a great foundation for those of us in the field to improve and learn about the latest trends, making us better leaders."

Check out these upcoming Section & Committee events! For more information and to register, visit the IPRA Calendar.

• C&M Summer Social - 7/23/15
• Athletic Committee Meeting: Athletic Field Committee Field Day - 7/29/15
• Bubble Soccer - 7/29/15
  
• Park & Natural Resource Management Section Meeting & Discussion: 2015 Summer Sports Field Workshop - 8/13/15