This year more than ever it is critical for parks and recreation agencies to come together and be heard in Washington. NRPA members are the most powerful voices for the fight for parks and recreation. The NRPA National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation provides you the chance to join the conversation, get in front of key decision makers and influencers, and make known the importance of park and recreation agencies. Washington won’t change without you – register and be there!
The timing of this year's Legislative Forum will be taking place during a critical funding cycle, as the Surface Transportation Act is scheduled to expire at the end of March 2012 and Congress is currently considering legislation which would reduce overall federal transportation spending and eliminate dedicated funding for active transportation options – including Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails Program. This Legislative Forum will provide an opportunity to impress upon Members of Congress the importance of trail funding.
2012 Event Highlights
- National Policy Dinner
The National Policy Dinner provides attendees an opportunity to come together for an enjoyable evening meal highlighted by a keynote speaker of national stature.
- Education and Training
Whether you are a seasonsed veteran or a first-time attendee, there is a valuable educational session for you. Educational sessions will cover preparing for Hill visits, overview of today's political climate, how to successfully leverage federal funds, build congressional support, and create new partnerships, and how to continue your advocacy efforts back home.
- Hill Briefing
Congressional staff will be invited to attend a briefing on the relevance and importance of parks and recreation to local communities and our nation.
- Hill Visits
Meet one-on-one with legislators and Congressional staff to advance NRPA's legislative agenda. Share local and state views on critical issues impacting parks and recreation.
- Congressional Reception
Meet and share experiences with legislators, Congressional staff, and other members with like-minded interests who are also advocating on behalf of parks and recreation.
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2012 Legislative Forum Schedule
*Schedule subject to change
Monday, March 26, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration Open
1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. NBDC Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Registration Open
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting
8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CAPRA Training
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Young Professionals Network Meeting
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Public Policy Committee Meeting
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Citizens Network Meeting
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Conservation and Parks in Time of Fiscal Crisis: Funding the Future (CEU Session)
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. State of the Union: NRPA 2012 Legislative Platform Review (CEU Session)
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Making the Most of Your Visit: What to Expect and How to Respond (CEU Session)
6:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. National Policy Dinner/Keynote
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. NBDC Committee Meeting
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Council of State Executive Directors
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. America's Backyard Committee Meeting
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. International Committee Meeting
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Governance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Registration Open
7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Rally Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Shuttle Bus Departure
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Briefing on the Hill
10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hill Visits
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Reception Registration Open
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Congressional Reception
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Administrators Network Meeting
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sustainability and Conservation Committee Meeting
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. National Recreation and Park Foundation Meeting
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 29, 2012
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CAPRA Meeting
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Continuing Advocacy at Home
9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. National Forum Meeting
2011 Legislative Forum Highlights
NRPA hosted the 2011 National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation March 16-18, and by all accounts the event was a tremendous success. More than 300 people, representing 44 states across the country, came to Washington, D.C. to advance the interest of public parks, green space, and recreation opportunities on a national scale. The Forum was highlighted by a policy dinner featuring U.S. Department of Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, Ron Sims. Both distinguished speakers spoke of the vital role that parks and recreation play in building families, communities, and America.