July 2021 - Parks & Recreation - 16

WE ARE PARKS AND RECREATION
Member Benefit: Join the
NRPA Young Professional
Network!
By Brittany Jones
I
f the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taught us anything,
it's that we all have the ability to adapt and change
course. But as park and recreation professionals, we already
have mastered that skill! From rained out events to budgetary restrictions,
learning to adapt is almost a prerequisite to the job.
However, we know those skills didn't come overnight, and for
a young professional, it can be a string of tough lessons to learn
without support and guidance.
That's where the NRPA Young Professional Network (YPN) really
shines. A national support group of young professionals from
small towns to large urban cities, the YPN is open to park and
recreation students and young professionals ages 35 and younger.
This is not your mom and dad's networking group. These are
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ranger Shea Staten
leads a pollinator and native plant hike at Sardis
Lake in Mississippi.
perhaps there is a nearby camp that may
offer gear rental in the offseason or even a
National Guard unit to offer land navigation
or other workshops.
Another benefit to partnering is it takes the
pressure off of the programmer to try to fit
every learning opportunity into one program.
In addition, it provides a variety of program
opportunities to returning participants.
Nature can be found in any landscape,
in any corner of the country. Likewise, our
communities are full of people who are passionate
to share their knowledge and love of
nature with the greater community.
Jared Barkley, CPRP, is Program Director for Oxford
(Mississippi) Park Commission (jared@
oxfordparkcommission.com).
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| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
early adopters who are ready to coach you through the steps of
running an esports league, explain what Clubhouse is and how
you can use it, provide real-world advice on certifications to assist
you in your career development, and more.
The YPN hosts a monthly virtual conference call to discuss
topics, like social media marketing, summer camps, diversity
training or how to transition from being a student to a professional.
In addition to these group learning opportunities, the YPN
keeps its members informed of opportunities offered in the field,
including webinars and grant opportunities offered by NRPA.
The best part of the YPN is the collective passion that each of
its members bring to what they do. The inaugural 30 Under 30
is a recent initiative created by the YPN and Parks & Recreation
magazine to celebrate 30 top young professionals who are making
their mark in their respective communities.
These young professionals know it's important to work hard
and reward your hard work with a little fun. The group hosts
monthly social nights for its members that include trivia nights
and esports tournaments.
During a year when we all seem to be further apart, the
YPN has been able to keep its members feeling connected and
supported. Find out how you can get involved and learn more
about upcoming conference calls, volunteer opportunities and
resources by visiting connect.nrpa.org/YPN.
Brittany Jones is the Communications and Equity Manager for Safe Routes
Partnership and Co-Chair of NRPA's Young Professional Network.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGHAN BARKLEY
http://connect.nrpa.org/YPN
July 2021 - Parks & Recreation

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