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Membership Benefits
Click here to download a Membership Benefits presentation.
Advocacy
It is our goal to develop and support citizen advocacy initiatives that direct and draw on the power of individuals to educate policymakers on issues of vital importance to the mission of park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
Since 1980, legislation endorsed by the IAPD has passed 92 percent of the time. Thanks in large part to the work of the IAPD, Illinois citizens enjoy more than 337,000 acres for recreation, parks and conservation.
Legislative advocacy involves countless hours of research, preparation, relationship building, education and image building to create a successful advocacy program. It is an ongoing commitment to further the association’s reputation as a proactive and trustworthy source of legislative information to our membership, the media, the Illinois General Assembly, the governor and members of Congress.
IAPD staff aggressively work at the State Capitol, building relationships with legislators and government officials. To help local board members build relationships with their legislators, IAPD offers the annual Legislative Conference and Reception, Legislative Awareness Golf Outing and other forums for networking. In addition, such resources as “The Grassroots Commitment” legislative advocacy video are available.
IAPD keeps our members current with legislative information sent weekly via electronic “Legislative Updates” when the Illinois General Assembly is in session.
Electronic “Legislative Alerts” are sent to members when actions need to be taken on specific legislative issues.
Board Development and Self-Evaluation
Even the best boards should conduct an annual self-evaluation to solidify relationships with one another, businesses, other government agencies and the community. The board should evaluate whether or not meetings, relationships with the executive(s), the code of ethics, the board manual and other situations can be improved.
Occasionally, an agency will experience disharmony among its board members, making it difficult to conduct business. When this situation disrupts the decision making process, IAPD can help. Board development helps create an atmosphere of trust between board members and the executive. This focuses everyone’s efforts on moving the agency forward and being more accountable to the public.
Board development can help with team decision-making, generating community support for agency initiatives, achieving consensus, working within the Open Meetings Act and resolving board issues. This specialized training is a great benefit to both new and seasoned board members, as it defines roles and responsibilities, describes duties for oversight and governance and assists in defining leadership within the agency.
In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, board development is held in closed session with an IAPD representative. This self-evaluation process allows for maximum growth potential in a private setting while complying with state law.
Legal and Legislative Services
These services include assistance for attorneys and commissioners on questions involving the powers and authority granted under Illinois state law; consultations with lawmakers on national, state and local levels; and working with the Joint Legislative Committee comprised of elected citizens, as well as park and recreation professionals.
Consultation by the IAPD general counsel is available to all member agency board members, chief executives and board attorneys on all issues impacting the legal activity of park districts, forest preserves, and conservation and recreation agencies.
The annual legal calendar lists deadlines by which agencies must perform legal obligations including referendum filings, budget and appropriation filings, Truth in Taxation hearings, tax levy filings and other compliance issues.
IAPD is continually creating and updating publications covering legal issues. The association works with local governments and attorneys around the state to make sure the membership is aware of fast-breaking legal issues.
Education
IAPD strives to offer members creative and innovative programs at the grassroots and statewide level. We are dedicated to improving our educational programming while finding new ways to educate our members.
The association has an annual state conference, the Legal Symposium, Commissioners Seminars and Legislative Conference. It also participates in national meetings and offers a variety of seminars and workshops pertaining to issues affecting park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference—The conference is an excellent opportunity to network, visit the expansive exhibit hall and participate in a number of educational sessions. The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association host the state conference every January, attracting more than 5,000 board members, professionals, students and vendors. The IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference is designed to help staff and board members meet the challenges they face every day back in their communities. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow commissioners and professionals.
IAPD Legal Symposium—The IAPD Legal Symposium offers information and key strategies to effectively deal with legal and legislative issues that agencies face in their local operation. Legal professionals associated with the field present topics and solutions.
The Commissioners Seminar—The Commissioners Seminar is a valuable commissioner training program conducted annually by IAPD. Seminars are offered in the spring of odd-numbered years to benefit the newly elected board members who are beginning to learn their roles and responsibilities. On non-election years, the Commissioners Seminar is held in September. This seminar focuses on hot topics that board members address in their roles as locally elected officials.
IAPD Legislative Conference—The IAPD Legislative Conference is designed to provide commissioners and directors with firsthand, up-to-date information on the association's Legislative Advocacy Program and all pending legislation affecting park district, forest preserve, and conservation and recreation agency board members. State legislators, state administrative officials and other recognized authorities present the latest techniques and materials to assist commissioners and directors with: successfully combating current and future tax and budget reductions, meeting and talking with legislators, understanding and being effective in the legislative arena and pending issues in legislation affecting Illinois.
The evening prior to the Legislative Conference, IAPD provides a valuable legislative networking opportunity with a Legislative Reception, which gives board members and directors a chance to speak one-on-one with legislative representatives in a casual atmosphere.
Summer Golf Tour—These outings are great opportunities to learn about other agencies’ golf operations, network and enjoy a day with old friends and new acquaintances.
Legislative Golf Outing—This special outing is for all park commissioners, legislators and agency directors. It is a great chance to meet with your legislator(s) in a recreational setting to advance the interests of your agency. The outing includes 18-holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner and opportunities to win prizes throughout the day.
Workshops—Educational workshops are often organized by the IAPD throughout the year to address current issues and trends.
Resources
Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine—Published bimonthly, this magazine is the leading state magazine for parks and recreation, edited specifically for board members and professionals in the field. Articles address trends, issues, legislation and boardmanship and offer practical information and reports on model programs, all designed to help board members and professionals succeed in their roles as leaders and visionaries for their agencies.
Beyond the Board Room—This newsletter is an IAPD resource for better boards and better agencies. Beyond the Board Room is designed to be a quick read and a reliable resource for new and seasoned board members. Topics range from benchmarking to the Open Meetings Act to agency finances.
Guide to Marketing—This FREE Guide is a concise and practical “how to” manual addressing such topics as current trends in marketing, informal research methods, research analysis, marketing goals and strategies, establishing a marketing budget and evaluating marketing efforts. Whether your agency has a fully staffed marketing department or is just beginning to focus on a comprehensive marketing strategy, you’ll find valuable information.
IAPD e-News—This online newsletter is a monthly update on IAPD news, services and upcoming events.
IAPD Research—With guidance from the IAPD Research Advisory Council, IAPD conducts research that can be used by member agencies in their public relations and legislative advocacy efforts. Completed research project requests are available online at IAPD’s web site - www.ILparks.org.
IAPD Publications—These materials are available at the IAPD Store on the Web site. Order practical books and videos that will enhance your boardmanship skills and keep you current on park district legal matters and finances.
The Handbook on Illinois Park District Law, 5th edition, plus CD ROM—This book consolidates the body of park district law into a single user-friendly volume. The accompanying CD ROM features the entire handbook and 25 sample forms ready to be downloaded, customized and used at your agency.
Get on Board—Essential Wisdom for Board Members and Executives—Whether you’re a board member or an agency administrator, Get on Board is your leadership guide to becoming an effective steward of the public’s trust. While you learn the principles of board service, you’ll also be reminded why parks, recreation and conservation are vital to our well-being.
Winning In The Face Of Organized Opposition—The Illinois Association of Park Districts wants you to win your next referendum. Winning in the Face of Organized Opposition is a guide to building the community support you need. Winning can help agencies develop action plans for successful campaigns and offers valuable strategies to counter the messages and tactics that anti-tax groups may use against your efforts.
The Park District Code—It’s all here in one volume - the latest, most complete compilation of laws governing park and recreation agencies in Illinois.
Greetings from Illinois Parks –A Postcard History of Illinois Park Districts—Features 98 postcard views of 55 Illinois park districts and forest preserves.
Additional Information
Members searching for information related to Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies can contact the IAPD for assistance. This service is FREE to our members.
Technical Assistance
Throughout the year, IAPD’s staff answers hundreds of questions and provides information or assistance to address a wide variety of issues or concerns from our members, citizens, legislators and the news media. IAPD’s staff has more than 126 years of combined experience working with park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. This expertise has been an invaluable asset to IAPD members on many diverse problems and challenges.
IAPD also offers various types of premium level technical assistance to member agencies, upon demand and under contract, based on the specific needs of an agency in the following areas:
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Strategic Planning - IAPD works with an agency’s board and staff to identify organizational strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities and guides them in the development of goals and strategies for a 3- to 5-year action plan. These planning workshops have been from 3 hours’ duration to several sessions over more than 6 months, depending on the requested level of IAPD involvement.
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Resource Management - IAPD can provide suggestions and recommendations on the wise use of resources including staff, open-space, facilities and partnerships. The association can also assist with unique conservation or natural resource issues, including those that may require permits from a state and/or federal agency.
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Grant Writing - In cooperation with the member agency staff, IAPD can guide an agency through the grant seeking process for funds available from IDNR, specifically through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, Bicycle Path Grant, Boat Access Area Development, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Local Government Snowmobile grant program, Recreational Trails program, Urban and Community Forestry grants, and Conservation 2000 grants.
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Foundation Development - More than 65 nonprofit, 501(C)3 foundations are affiliated with, or in support of, park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies in Illinois. IAPD maintains a registry of those foundations and supplies information or guidance on governance issues, board development, legal requirements, fundraising ideas, by-laws, policies and procedures. IAPD also offers workshops and training programs on this topic.
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Legal Counsel - The Association assists board members and executive directors on legal issues. In addition, the general counsel provides consultation services to attorneys throughout the state who serve park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
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News release development and distribution - IAPD will write and distribute news releases for members regarding awards, attendance at educational sessions, appointment to IAPD committees and other pertinent endeavors.
Public Awareness
IAPD provides member agencies with public relations tools to enhance their communication of services, missions and goals. Building public awareness of park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies is an important function of IAPD.
“Flying 4 Kids” Statewide Kite Fly—This event attracts hundreds of families, kite enthusiasts and media to park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies across the state. The goal of the kite fly is to promote a fun, family-oriented recreational event and raise awareness of the Park District Youth License Plate, which features a four-color kite. IAPD can assist agencies in planning a Kite Fly with a FREE Event Planner’s Guide.
Parks Day at the State Capitol—Parks Day is an opportunity to educate legislators, legislative staff, government employees and State Capitol visitors about the wonderful parks and programs available in Illinois. Agencies display exhibits in the Rotunda of the State Capitol to showcase the amenities they offer to the citizens of Illinois. Members are encouraged to meet with their legislators and personally show them their exhibits and thank them for their ongoing support of funding initiatives for park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair—Park District Conservation Day began in 1994 as a special recognition day for Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. Agencies send tumblers, dancers, bands, chorales and zoo exhibits to perform or exhibit at various locations throughout the state fairgrounds. This day brings an awareness of the variety of wonderful activities our agencies bring to the citizens of Illinois. The Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Park and Recreation Association and Illinois Department of Natural Resources co-sponsor this event for more than 100,000 fairgoers.
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