September 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 43

er colleagues across the nation, building
a stronger network and learning
from one another. "
Tracey Crawford, executive director
of the Northwest Special Recreation
Association in Illinois, explains:
" As a DEI trainer myself, I readily
absorbed all of the training ideas
and the instructors' unique styles
of implementation.
After
each
session, I began to think of ways I
could use this information to better
deliver the concepts of diversity,
equity and inclusion to create
a sense of belonging at my agency
as the [e]xecutive [d]irector and
as a leader on a state level at my
state association. What I also loved
about this training is the open dialogue
and opportunity to discuss
how we, as advocates and allies,
might approach some of the resistance
around the concepts of DEI.
" On a personal level, I started to
examine where I need to grow in
my own DEI knowledge and expertise.
This learning opportunity
allowed me the chance to focus on
my own personal beliefs and depth
of my understanding [of] diversity,
equity, inclusion and racism.
The trainers were personable and I
wish that there was more time built
in to share in a big group. I learned
so much from my other colleagues
and the trainers sharing. "
Andy Stahr, senior administrative
services coordinator for Gastonia
(North Carolina) Parks and Recreation,
says:
" The
Equity
Certificate
through
the
in
Practice (EiP)
Program guides you
history of racism
and puts the onus back on us to
understand
where [p]arks and
[r]ecreation professionals fit in the
fight for equity. The program gives
you tools to identify and address
inequities
in
our communities.
The trainers and peers in this program
helped me see that it's not
always a lack in effort in trying to
do the right thing, but sometimes
not knowing how to do the right
thing that holds our communities
back. This program has given me
added confidence, and resources,
to make positive changes (with
the acknowledgment that mistakes
may be made along the way). "
Luz " Tammy " Martinez, public relations
specialist for Palm Beach
(Florida) County Parks and Recreation
Department, says:
" The Equity in Practice (EiP) Certificate
Program provided me with
insights and skills to address equity
challenges in parks and recreation.
Exploring the historical context,
systemic barriers and implicit biases
that have shaped this industry
allowed me to understand some
pressing issues marginalized communities
face. Participating in this
cohort allowed me to engage in
meaningful and insightful conversations
with my peers, enabling
the exchange of experiences that
broadened my perspective of equity
in parks and recreation from
the
viewpoint
of others. Since
completing this program, I have
integrated EiP tools into my communications
and marketing profession
by continuing to create a more
inclusive narrative that resonates
with diverse audiences, amplifying
the voices of underrepresented
groups, and design campaigns that
are accessible and relevant to diverse
communities.
" The EiP Certificate was an
amazing learning experience. The
facilitators and cohort provided a
safe environment to learn and grow
while tackling essential topics. The
Equity Action Plan was the tool
that I needed to take the next step
both personally and for my agency. "
City of Greensboro, North Carolina,
Facilities Coordinator Chamreece
Diggs says:
" My experience in the EiP Certificate
was more than expected. The
educational components were thorough
and well-coordinated. The
sessions were planned to build from
one to the next making the content
easy to follow. All of the resources
[and] toolkits and [the] action plan
template added to the learning experience.
The thing I appreciated
the most about the EiP Certificate
Program was the community building.
Sharing stories, hearing others'
experiences and growing our support
for each other was priceless. "
What's next?
From these reflections, we see that
having both conversations and skill
building centered in equity is useful.
However, what really sets EiP apart
is its focus on how race has impacted
the field and how equity can be applied
in a park and recreation setting.
During the summer, we reviewed
feedback from the pilot and adjusted
the curriculum for a new cohort that
will begin in October, with another
three being offered in 2024, and the
launch of the second curriculum in
the three-part series, " Pursuing Race
Equity in Parks and Recreation "
(tinyurl.com/3z9p6rk6).
For those of you looking for shorter,
self-led ways to learn more, be on
the lookout for our " Quick Guides
to DEI " and a storytelling series,
" Where to Start, " during which we
will give folks in the field 10 minutes
to share how a simple, consistent action
impacted diversity, equity or inclusion
in their programs.
Autumn Saxton-Ross is Chief Education and Equity Officer at
NRPA (asaxtonross@nrpa.org).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
43
http://tinyurl.com/3z9p6rk6
September 2023 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2023 - Parks & Recreation
