NRPA members from across the country met in Washington, D.C., this March to advocate on behalf of parks and recreation. There, they shared community stories, asked for legislative support, and invited policymakers and their staffs to experience how parks impact social, economic and health outcomes at the local level. The voices of those who participated were heard loud and clear. In fact, on Twitter alone, the hashtag #NRPALegForum was used more than 220 times and reached approximately 50,000 users! Whether you joined us this year or have never attended an NRPA Legislative Forum, here’s a recap of this year’s experience.

• NRPA news: @NRPA_news 

#NRPALegForum starts today! Looking forward to meeting all the park and recreation advocates!

• Danielle Taylor: @D_R_Taylor

@NRPA_news: Lots of park and recreation pros preparing to advocate tomorrow on Capitol Hill! #NRPALegForum

• Melissa B: @melis1124

#NRPALegForum. Getting pumped to hit Capitol Hill

• Heather Sage: @heathersage

@USRepMikeDoyle we will be visiting you tomorrow as part of #NRPALegForum for @pittsburghparks.

• Candi Rawlins: @trpacandi  

#NRPALegForum. TN delegation in DC Heading to the Hill soon to meet with our TN representatives. 

• Jason Mangum: @azmangums

@RepKerryB Thank you for meeting with us today and discussing why #parksmatter in Michigan #NRPALegForum 

• Danielle Taylor: @D_R_Taylor

@NRPA_news: NASPD Exec Dir Lewis Ledford @roan72 advocates for #LWCF state support with Sen @kayhagan. #NRPALegForum

• Danielle Taylor: @D_R_Taylor 

@nrpa_news: Hall advocacy with a Sen. @kayhagan staffer. #NRPALegForum

• Peter Magnuson: @somedayhappens 

@senatordurbin Thanks for taking the time to meet with Parks and Rec #NRPALegForum 

• Danielle Taylor: @D_R_Taylor 

@NRPA_news: On the train under the Capitol! #NRPALegForum 

• Zulma Maciel: @zulmaAngelica 

Thank you @RepMikeHonda for your continued leadership around conservation, health and wellness and education #NRPALegForum #parksmatter

• NRPA news: @NRPA_news 

NRPA’s @BTulipane, NASPD & WV reps give @RepMcKinley an award for supporting state-side #LWCF funding. #NRPALegForum

• Kira Calm Lewis: @ParksandRecPIO 

Thx to @JohnSarbanes for sponsoring No Child Left Inside Act H.R.2702/S.1306! #NRPALegForum

• Candi Rawlins: @trpacandi

#NRPALegForum. April and Gerald meeting with @Congressman Duncan about parks and recreation. Thank you Congressman!!

• Rep. Chris Smith: @RepChrisSmith

Thanks for stopping by! MT “@bport0627 Thanks to @RepChrisSmith for meeting w/NJ Rec&Parks delegation #NRPALegForum”

• Parks and Recreation: @lacountyparks 

Thanks Sen @RepEdRoyce for taking time to hear about park issues in your district #NRPALegForum

As you can see, NRPA members spent a busy day meeting with legislators to ensure that parks, recreation and open space remain an important part of federal funding programs. They shared information, built relationships and more than likely secured additional supporters. But that is just the beginning. Advocacy is a year-round activity, and you can help by visiting www.nrpa.org/advocacy to stay informed, contact and share your stories with your federal representatives, and learn other ways in which you can use your voice.

Peter Magnuson, CAE, is NRPA’s former Director of Marketing.