Creating Community: An Action Plan for Parks and Recreation » (New Edition)

About the Author:

The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) is the largest state park and recreation professional association in the United States. CPRS, with its headquarters in Sacramento, represents more than 535 local and state park and recreation agencies, colleges and universities, therapeutic recreation agencies, and companies providing products and services to the profession. CPRS is a significant information source and an effective service provider to its more than 4,000 members. CPRS offers professional development and networking opportunities; leadership development; resources, tools, and publications; legislative advocacy; awards and recognitions; and specialty membership sections.





About the Editor:

Jane H. Adams, MS, is executive director of the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS). Ms. Adams was heavily involved in seeing the VIP concept become a reality in CPRS. As a member of the VIP Steering Committee, she participated in creating the vision, values, and mission of the plan as well as in the training and education of CPRS members about the plan. In addition, she made more than 50 VIP plan presentations to CPRS, the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA), and state associations.



Ms. Adams is a long standing member of the National Recreation & Park Association and the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration, for which she served as president in 1998-99. In her leisure time, she enjoys participating in sprint triathlons, traveling to national and international parks, and cooking.

Creating Community will help you position your department to increase your budget and reposition it as a key player in the community. You’ll learn to implement a VIP action plan as created by the California Park & Recreation Society. You’ll also learn to make a case for your programs by communicating your plan to policy makers and others.

Part I The VIP Action Plan

Chapter 1. What Is the VIP Action Plan?
Overview of the VIP Action Plan
VIP Action Plan as a Tool
Cornerstone Philosophies of the VIP Action Plan
VIP Project Objectives
Overall Benefits of the VIP Project
Who Can Use the VIP Action Plan

Chapter 2. Core Values, Vision, and Mission
Articulating Our Core Values
Stating Our Vision for the Future
Identifying Our Mission
Using the Values, Vision, and Mission
Recognizing the Importance of Values, Vision, and Mission

Chapter 3. Key Trends and Opportunities
Summary of VIP Trends Analysis
VIP Action Plan Trends Revisited
Implications for Park and Recreation Providers
Organizational Changes
Opportunities

Chapter 4. Core Competencies
Identifying Professional Competencies
Incorporating Competencies Into Employee Training and Management
Evaluating Employees Based on the Competencies
Taking on New Roles

Chapter 5. Strategies for Achieving the Vision
The Eight Strategies
Strategy Implementation Plans

Chapter 6. Action Steps and Performance Measures
Form an Action Team
Develop Action Steps
Choose Performance Measures and Select Goals

Part II Communications

Chapter 7. Researching the Audience
Research Highlights of Partner Survey
Research Highlights of Print Media Audit
Highlights of Public Opinion Research
Highlights of the Interviews
Theme and Variations of the Public Relations Plan
Research Summary

Chapter 8. Developing a Communications Plan
Following the Steps of the Plan
Putting the Communications Plan Together
Evaluating Results of thePlan

Chapter 9. Working With the Press
Is Your Story Newsworthy?
Who Are Your Spokespeople?
Creating a Media Database
Writing a News or Press Release
Writing a Media Advisory
Contacting the Media
Following Up
Creating Media Kits
Setting Up a Press Conference or Media Event
Fielding Calls From Reporters
Being Interviewed
Cultivating Relationships

Chapter 10. Using Other Media Outlets
Op Eds and Letters to the Editor
Editorial Board Meetings
Ethnic Media
Radio and TV Public Affairs and Talk Shows
Public Service Announcements
Paid Media
The Internet