FRPA’s goal is to present a single unified voice for parks and recreation. FRPA relies heavily on professionals within the parks and recreation field to assist in our legislative efforts. The work of individuals who serve by simply make calls and contacts as we request, contribute to the overall success of FRPA’s legislative agenda.
Advocacy is everyone's responsibility. The goal of the Florida Recreation and Park Association is to provide you with tools that enhance your efforts to educate audiences about the value of parks and recreation.
The legislative process is a fascinating one. Never before has there been a more appropriate time for voters to influence their elected officials. However, it should be noted that advocacy work is not a sprint, it is truly a marathon. It is an activity that we must be consistently involved in if we are to experience the high visibility and respect needed to be successful in the legislative arena.
An organization can’t afford to be here today, gone tomorrow – only being visible when there is an issue to challenge or support. The more visible we are, the less chance we have of being forgotten. It is often easier to have a conversation with an elected official when you are not in a position to need to ask them for something.
FRPA’s advocacy efforts are multi-faceted to assure that elected officials and our own professionals are prepared to be active advocates for the programs and services provided by parks and recreation agencies throughout the State of Florida.
Our message is clear, and your call to action requires you to
- participate in the political process before elections, during elections, after elections
- familiarize yourself with your elected officials (local, state and federal)
- communicate on a regular basis with your elected officials, reinforcing the benefits of parks and recreation
- communicate with your citizen advocates, reinforcing the benefits of parks and recreation, and encouraging them to work on your behalf
- keep FRPA posted on your advocacy efforts and let us know how we can continue to provide you with the tools to increase your influence
Advocacy is a word that tends to intimidate and has a somewhat negative connotation. But, the reality is that we all advocate every day, often without even realizing we are doing so. When we create a flyer we are advocating the benefits of our profession as evidenced in the programs we have created. When we post about our job on social media we are advocating (hopefully in a positive manner) the attributes of our profession. When we defend our budgets we are advocating the value of the very core of what we are about.
Health, the Environment, our Economic Impact and Community Building. These four concepts are the essence of what we do. We must recognize and appreciate the fact that we are one of the last means to connect this overburdened society with our environment and our history. We must demand recognition as the leaders in positively impacting healthy living practices in communities throughout the State of Florida. We must insist that we be given due credit for the very positive way our parks and programs are the foundation for a community that not only has strong economic vitality but stronger relationships between citizens as a result of our efforts.
Inherently, our residents and users know how important we are. We will continue to support your goal of increasing the awareness of the many ways in which parks and recreation building communities, contribute to the economy of our state, insure that we create environmental resilience and sustainability, and provide safe spaces for the many cultures within our State to connect and flourish. There are a plethora of resources available to assist you in becoming a participant in the process rather than a bystander.
Just tell the story.
Use the Legislative Handbook page for tips and tools.
SaveSave