In 2022, NRPA’s Professional Development team rolled out a new approach to online learning, focused on more tailored and engaging approaches. In 2024, park and recreation practitioners can look forward to a personalized and flexible approach to continuous learning. The annual lineup will offer a variety of Talks, hands-on Clinics, and interactive Sandboxes. These are designed to allow professionals to learn at their own pace and focus on areas most relevant to them. It's a great opportunity to gain insights from experts and share experiences with fellow practitioners in the field to build knowledge and skills in a supportive environment.
Our Premier Member Benefit, the 2024 Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription, will feature an exciting slate of 12 pre-recorded talks by park and recreation practitioners, academics and partners. This year, you’ll hear from subject matter experts addressing topics such as:
- Career Development
- Master and Strategic Planning
- Conservation
- Health and Wellness
- Media Metrics
- Planning and Design
- And more!
Another learning opportunity that is returning is our Equity in Practice (EiP) series. Each month, we will offer a free EiP learning opportunity. Throughout the series, attendees will be given the chance to attend both pre-recorded Talks and live Clinics. This year, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from experts discussing topics including:
- Accessibility, particularly related to developing and delivering accessible presentations
- Disability inclusion in recreational programming
- Authentic vs. performative allyship when working with Indigenous communities
- Communication skills for putting equity into practice
What Does Online Learning Look Like at NRPA?
Talks are pre-recorded learning events featuring presenters speaking on the most prescient topics in the field. Some Talks will include opportunities for participants to earn 0.1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) toward maintaining their certifications.
Clinics are hands-on learning opportunities centered on building practical skills that can be easily applied to a participant’s daily work. In 2024, you will see Clinics focused on Equity in Practice competencies, such as direct communication, race equity analysis, relationships across difference and self-awareness.
Sandboxes are a quarterly offering giving participants a chance to network and problem-solve with peers across the country. This year, you can anticipate conversations that are focused on peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing, including working with maintenance staff and how to best employ artificial intelligence in park and recreation agencies.
Throughout the year we will host pop-up Talks on a wide range of other subjects at the heart of the park and recreation profession, with many opportunities to earn CEUs. Keep an eye on our NRPA Online Learning schedule to see what’s coming up in 2024!
If you have any questions about these new learning opportunities, please email the NRPA Professional Development team.