SCRPA…101 SCRPA…101 The Future Begins with You! SC LEAD January 12, 2012 Charleston, SC

Overview…  Organized in 1945 to serve parks and recreation professionals through education and network opportunities  Current membership of ~1200  State office/staff in Lexington serves as clearinghouse for executive committee, branches, committees and general membership  Non-Profit 501 c (3)

Where It Comes From :  64% Education & Training  18% Special Events  13% Membership   5% Fundraising & Sponsorships

Where it Goes:  49% Membership Services & Executive Office  33% Education & Training  16% Special Events  2% Other

What are the benefits?  Publication – Parks and Recreation Magazines,  On line and Resources - Newsletters, Membership Resource Directory, Forum Board  Professional Development through  Workshops/seminars throughout the year designed for more of the front line staff  Southern Leisure Management & Trends Institute designed for the upper level mangers/directors  SC LEAD designed for future leadership -Every odd # year  Annual Conference designed for everyone  Legislative Support at National &State Level  Statewide Athletic Tournaments  Provide Networking Opportunities  Provide Scholarships for College Students  Provide Resources for Public Entities

Our Partners, Products and Services

SCRPA Structure General Membership Elected Officers & their committees President Elect Legislative Past President Vice President Long Range Planning Constitution & Policies Secretary Awards & Citations, Confernce, Personnel Standards Treasurer Marketing Scholarship Past President District Vice Presidents (each appoint one person to committees) CentralEastern SouthernWestern Branches Aquatics Citizens Board Members Ethnic Minority Parks & Resource Management Recreational Arts & Programming (RAP) SC Athletic Programs (SCAP) StudentTherapeutic Wellness NRPA Representatives 1 – CBM 3 - Professionals SC Department of PRT President Committee Chair Appointments Executive Director Membership Services Coordinator Legislative Liaison

Executive Director’s Office  Employees of Association  Membership Services Coordinator Melissa Welker  Executive Director Jim Headley  Office Telephone (803)  Office fax (803)  Web Site

Elected Officers  Nominations accepted from any member of good standing of Association  Annual elections at state conference  Represent membership at state, regional, and national level

District Vice Presidents…  Elected by district membership  Serve two year terms  Coordinate district meetings, workshops and socials  Represent district on state level  Appoint Individuals to SCRPA Standing Committees

Branch Representatives…  Elected by branch membership annually (some longer)  Coordinate meetings and training opportunities  Coordinate recognition of outstanding programs and events annually  Represent branch on state level

NRPA and PRT…  NRPA Representatives elected by SCRPA members who are NRPA members at annual conference for three year term with 1 guaranteed Citizen Representative and 1 Professional (other seats gained on Regional Council by membership formula)  PRT Representative appointed by PRT to serve as liaison between PRT and SCRPA  Represent SCRPA on state, regional, and national level

Committees…  Currently 7 committees established to carry out works of Association  Committee Chair and Vice Chair appointed by President and President-Elect respectively  Remaining members (normally 4) appointed by District V-P’s, these are two year appointments  Additional members may be appointed by President  Ad-Hoc/Task Forces may be appointed by President

How You Get Involved…  Ask fellow co-workers or mentors  Determine area of interest  Seek approval of supervisor/director  Attend branch meetings/workshops  Attend district meetings  Show enthusiasm  Accept position of leadership if available  Accept responsibilities  Contact Executive Director’s Office or Officer if attempt to become involved prove unsuccessful

Why Involvement is Important… PPPProfessional growth and development PPPPersonal growth and development EEEEnhanced network opportunities DDDDevelopment of life-long friendships SSSService to others

SCRPA Vision Task Force  Established 2005  Need for common language  Need for increased awareness by community and state leadership  Entered in agreement with CU and Benedict to establish SC’s core values and start of vision statement

Youth Sports Task Force  “Our Promise to Kids”  Worked with National Alliance For Youth Sports and developed the College and University Program  Developing Tinyville Tool Kit

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does. -Margaret Mead -Margaret Mead

Do the Right Thing… Get Involved!