1. BENEFITS BASED PROGRAMMING
Chapter 4

2. Traditional Programming Approaches
1. The Quality of Life Approach
2. The Marketing Approach
3. The Human Service Approach
4. The Prescriptive Approach
5. The Environmental/Aesthetic/Preservationist Approach

3. BBP
A more recent approach that has gained increased respect and application is called Benefits Based Programming (BBP).
It was developed to address social problems, especially among youth in at-risk environments.
This innovative approach, which has been developed and endorsed by The National Recreation and Park Association, is an adaptation of several approaches.

4. REPOSITIONING
Positioning refers to the way in which local officials and citizens perceive the field of parks and recreation, especially in terms of how the field of compares to other publicly funded services.
The current view of our field is that parks and recreation are nonessential services.
In the minds of the public and local officials, recreation and parks take a back sear to other, more important services such as police and fire protection. Thus, agencies need to REPOSITION how they are viewed.

5. The major challenge face by recreation and leisure programmers then, is to REPOSITION or change the view that the public and stakeholders have of this field.
One way the profession has begun to reposition itself successfully and, at the same time, address the social and financial problems is through Benefits Based Programming.

6. Exercise Complete the following questions:
1. What opinions do your families have of the parks and recreation field? Your college roommates and other college friends?
2. Are their views generally positive or negative?
3. How do you represent your field of study?
4. To what extent does your own position or view of the field mirror that of your family and friends?
Turn this in with your weekly assignment!

7. BENEFITS BASED AWARENESS
This was a program started through the NRPA called “The Benefits are Endless”
This focuses on communicating the benefits of Parks and Recreation to all audiences. A key point of this campaign is that the benefits described are based on studies documenting the personal, social, economic, and environmental benefits of parks and recreation services.

8. One research conclusion stated that “regular moderate sports playing adds 1.25 years the life expectancy of a year old man.
In a study of female smokers in 1995, the study found that just 15 minutes of daily exercise, cigarette cravings were reduced.
Through this promotional campaign, which is based on empirical research, decision-makers and citizens are made aware of the benefits that recreation and leisure programs and services can provide.

9. Programming Principles to Build Resiliency
“Recreation programs must be specifically structured” to adequately address the overall goals of the program, those being the target goals.
Providing resiliency is the ultimate desired outcome of Benefits Based Programming.
Individuals with resiliency have developed a personal set of coping skills that provide them the personal strengths, resources, and self-image they need to avoid the pitfalls of an at-risk environment.

10. Some principles to follow…..
Provide opportunities to create significant relationships with others
Provide opportunities to feel competent
Provide constant encouragement
Provide opportunities for participants to be involved in the planning and creation of experiences
Build in high but attainable expectations, not high standards

11. Provide opportunities to be helpful to others
Provide opportunities to socialize with peers and adults who can serve as role models
Provide unconditional support and universal acceptance
Build in opportunities for helpfulness to others
Provide opportunities to contribute to one’s community

12. Encourage family support and involvement
Include initiative and cooperative types of frames
Provide opportunities to practice communication skills
Provide opportunities for group decision making
Allow participants to create experiences

13. Create opportunities to socialize with peers and adults
Provide opportunities to belong
Be caring; have respect for them as persons, listen without being intrusive
Provide consistent opportunities for recognition
Model good behavior for participants

14. Finally……. Provide positive adherence to rules
Discipline without criticism
Be firm, fair, and fun!

15. Review the Benefits Based Programming Model on page 53 figure 4-3

16. Protective Factors
These were developed within the benefits based programming model in an effort to prepare target goals and issues facing participants
Target goals should specify which protective factors will be developed for the particular population of interest; for example; youth at risk
Programmers should use a “planning sheet” when developing goals. Example on page 56.

17. The protective factors that might be included for different populations:
Knowledgeable of neighborhood resources
Caring adults are interested in him or her
Is accepted and liked by others
Has high controls against deviant behavior
Has an appreciation of role models
Has a positive attitude toward the future
Values achievement
Has the ability to work with others
Has the ability to work out conflicts
Has the perceived competence to do……

18. Exercise
Using the BBP planning sheet on page 56, complete the sheet according the following information.
A community college president noted that growing numbers of senior citizens are taking classes at the college. Several senior citizens approached the president about the apparent lack of fitness activities geared toward seniors. The president called a meeting between herself, the seniors, and the campus recreation director. The campus recreation director decided to use the BBP approach for the senior fitness program.

19. Questions…
1. What is the issue as identified by the president, senior citizen students, and campus recreation director?
2. What protective factors would you select for the target goals?
Turn this in with your weekly assignment.

20. “The Benefits-Based Program” approach can help programmers plan purposeful programs and help communicate the benefits of those programs to the public.