September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 37

Committee member Riley Brown introduces
Adam Dodgshon (left) and Tony D.
Felts (right) for their session.
panel discussion to assess what as
a state organization we have been
able to change based on last year's
summit versus this year's and provide
help for those coming upon
barriers.
Allen, says, " The first annual
2SLGBTQIA+ Summit marks a
pivotal moment for the Maryland
Recreation and Parks Association,
continuing our commitment to inclusivity
and community engagement.
With our hosting of this
summit, MRPA demonstrates its
commitment to embracing diversity
and supporting all members of
the community. This summit serves
as an educational and networking
platform where MRPA members
can learn about the unique recreational
needs and interests of
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The
workshops,
panels and discussions
led by experts and community
leaders allow our attendees to
gain invaluable insights into creating
safe and inclusive recreational
spaces. The goal is to create innovative
programming ideas that cater
to diverse identities, fostering
a welcoming environment. The
2SLGBTQIA+ Summit empowers
MRPA members to become advocates
for inclusivity within their
own communities. By implementing
what they learn, they ensure
that Maryland's recreational spaces
are truly accessible and welcoming
to everyone. "
Increasing Inclusivity
If you want to increase inclusivity
within your agency, consider the
following first steps:
* Use gender-neutral/all-gender
restrooms in place of family
rooms. Install baby changing
stations inside so your restrooms
are accessible to everyone.
* Update the word " co-ed " (which
implies two genders) to " mixed
gender " or " open to all. "
* Change " Mother " and " Father "
on forms to " Parent/Guardian
1 " and " Parent/Guardian 2 " or
" Adult 1 " and " Adult 2. "
* Provide gender options other
than male or female on forms,
or a line where people can enter
their own answer.
* Replace " his/her " in contracts,
waivers, flyers, etc., with " their "
or an applicable noun (camper,
participant, etc.).
* Add pronouns to your email signature
line (including cisgender
employees) and training registration
forms for state associations.
* Celebrate Pride Month.
* Offer training.
* Purchase pronoun pins or Pride
flag pins.
Embracing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion
in park and recreation programming
and internal policies is
not only morally imperative, but
also beneficial
to communities,
employees and the organization as
a whole. By creating spaces where
everyone feels valued, respected
and celebrated, we can build a
more equitable and vibrant society
for generations to come.
Noah Callahan is Sports Complex Supervisor for Anne
Arundel County (Maryland) Department of Recreation and
Parks. Debby Huffman, CPRP, is Deputy Director of
Recreation at City of Takoma Park (Maryland).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
37
Vendor Narwal Magic
Kindness set up a
display to promote
her book, Be You
Bravely.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN PARKS
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

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