Future Leaders

The Art of Zen Leadership

The principles of Zen leadership are deeply rooted in balance, mindfulness and a deep understanding of one’s self.

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Using Intrinsic Motivation to Increase Employee Engagement

Five techniques managers can use to create a dedicated and fulfilled workforce.

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Recreation Is Life

A future park professional shares his passion for the profession in a speech about recreation’s ability to reconnect people with their youthful sense of wonder.

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Social Equity in Senior Programs

When it comes to social equity, we realize that facilities and programs need to be made accessible regardless of income, race and ability. But, what about age?

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Importance of Community Engagement for Young Nonprofit Organizations

Creating a network of community relations and community engagement will promote and develop positive benefits.

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Honesty and Transparency in Parks and Recreation

How do you cultivate a culture of honesty within the workplace?

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Mentoring: Invaluable to Success

Mentorship it is a relationship in which a professional inspires a mentee to explore new ideas, take risks and never stop learning.

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Ensuring Today’s Children Experience Free Play

Today’s young professionals are unique, in that we were fortunate enough to experience play — and more importantly, free play. We need to promote the value of play to our communities.

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And the Award Goes to…

Kevin Witte, CPRP, last year's Young Professional Fellow, shares about the benefits of applying for this award...

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Arriving at My Dream Job

You also don’t need to try to conquer the world in a few years. Relax and enjoy the journey while gleaning all you can from each situation.

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You Are Awesome - NRPA Can Help You Stay That Way

You work crazy hours and handle crazy situations. Here’s how NRPA can help you prepare to handle those challenges.

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Advice to Young Professionals on Creating a Successful Department

Taking over a new department or an underachieving one can be challenging for young professionals. However, following these tips will at least help better prepare you to embark on your journey as a future leader in our industry.

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Using History to Activate a Neighborhood Green Space

The Germantown neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia combines a diverse population with historic homes and easy access to lush green space.

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To Ph.D. or Not to Ph.D.?

The answer to this question is complicated and only appropriate for each individual to personally answer.

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Empowering Youth to Care for Local Parks and Their Neighborhoods

Students in Baltimore participate in Branches, a summer and afterschool internship program of the Parks & People Foundation, which employs youth to tend to the city’s green spaces and learn about opportunities available to them after high school.

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When Leadership Is 'Green'

Young professionals sometimes learn to lead by doing.

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From Young Professional to Respected Leader

Navigating the park and recreation career ladder

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Bringing Whitewater Kayaking to Your Community

It's a fun way for participants to learn to respect nature and can help drive interest in parks and promote partnerships with local organizations.

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There Is a First Time for Everything

Some tips to help young park and recreation professionals navigate their first NRPA Conference.

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I Am a Product of My Environment

Camp Best Friends, one of the largest summer camp programs in the country, helped make me the person I am and inspires me to strive for better.

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Who, What, When, Why? Your Official Invite to the YPN

NRPA’s Young Professional Network provides career support at Conference and throughout the year through networking, mentoring, idea exchanges and other avenues.

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Success Through the Lens of ‘The Greatest’

It's about making a difference in people’s lives.

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Young Professionals Need Fitness, Too

Easy ways young professionals can build fitness into their non-traditional schedules.

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Young Professionals Can Be Great Mentors

Young professionals are uniquely positioned to give back.

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Contrasting Modalities of Post-Graduate Studies

The online versus on-campus approach to career development.

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Activism Must Be Balanced by Realism

A few basic rules to avoid career-ending activism.

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Lessons From the Road to Leadership

Tiffany Johnson, CPRP, MPA, lays out the path she took on the road to a leadership position within parks and recreation.

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Going Beyond the Degree: Real-Life Education

Three park and recreations professionals offer insights on how to make the transition from school to real-life career. 

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Let Young Professionals Take the Crowdfunding Reigns

Lindsay Labas, marketing director for Carmel Clay, Indiana, Parks and Recreation, sat down for a Q&A to share some insights into the value of involving young park and recreation professionals in crowdfunding campaigns.

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The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Experience

Young park and recreation professionals seeking a well-rounded, hands-on experience in the field should consider beginning a career with Morale, Welfare and Recreation. 

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How Young Professionals Engage Underserved Communities

P&R magazine hears from three of NRPA’s talented young professionals who share how they engage with underserved communities.

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A Walk in the Park

Direct experience with nature can unlock a child’s inherent desire to explore and see connections in the world around them.

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Preserving Our Connection to This Land

 Changing times do not erase the importance of preserving and promoting America’s special natural places to our children. 

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Five Great Reasons to Invest in a Student NRPA Membership

Joining NRPA as a student opens up a world of professional connections and networking opportunities. 

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Integrating Evaluability Assessment into Youth Sport Programming

Thinking ahead when developing youth sport programming can lead to more successful endeavors and ease of measurability when analyzing results. 

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Time for Change: A New Frontier for Digital Nature Experiences

Consider integrating technology into children's nature experiences for a modern, layered approach to education and conservation.

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Young Recreation Professionals as Experience Creators

Young professionals are excited to contribute their skills, ingenuity and innovation to assist with the transition toward a more intentional form of recreation.

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How Do I Overcome the Experience Requirement on a Job Application?

Tips for students to improve skills and use knowledge beyond the classroom.

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Get Involved in Your State Association

Membership in your state association has a number of benefits, including professional development and networking.

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Investing in Your Own Professional Development

Investing in ongoing professional development keeps you up-to-date and relevant in the field of parks and recreation. 

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Networking and Sharing Ideas: Setting the Park and Recreation Field Apart

The park and recreation field is unique in its members' enthusiasm for sharing their ideas with each other, which benefits the field as a whole and every community it serves.

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The Importance of Young Professionals’ Involvement with Community Organizations

 Getting involved with community organizations is a great way for young professionals to learn valuable skills. 

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Goal-Setting to Maximize Productivity

Setting goals helps you get organized and sets a scene for success in achieving daily, monthly, yearly and even lifetime objectives. 

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Family Leisure and the Play Desert

Park and recreation agencies could better serve their communities with family-focused programming.

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Wide Open Playing Field

NRPA’s Annual Conference is packed full of opportunities for young professionals in the field of parks and recreation.

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Young Adults and Trails: A Relationship that Continues to Develop and Grow

Trails are critical recreation outlets for young adults, so it’s important that park professionals and legislators alike continue to provide support for keeping these significant pathways open for all.

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The Benefits of Camp Employment: More Than Just Fun and Games

Camp employment has the potential to benefit campers and counselors alike. 

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Education, Preparation, Vocation (Part Two)

Recreation undergraduate student clubs are invaluable to future professionals in the field of parks and recreation. Here are some proven ways to successfully recruit participants.

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The Importance of a Professional Mentor

 A great mentor will teach you to harness your strengths, overcome your weaknesses and move you to become more than either of you ever thought possible. 

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Phishing for Publications: A Word to the Wise

Graduate students need to watch out for potential publishing scams.

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