Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152


By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 12, 2024

410x410 Graphic for Website   Episode 152

Pictured: A pride robe being weaved as part of Weaving Our Pride, a mentor-youth community weaving project.

March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’re excited to talk with two women who are leading the way in Juneau, Alaska.

Our guests today are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation.

Between having a primarily women-led team, facilitating programs that foster inclusion and belonging, and ensuring that every member of the Juneau community feels welcome, Juneau Parks & Recreation is doing some incredible work.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this unique community and how Amanda and Lauren are truly building a space where you belong. You’ll also learn:

  • How Juneau Parks & Recreation is providing opportunities for girls, women, and trans and nonbinary youth in the community
  • How the “Weaving Our Pride” project is bringing the community together and celebrating Indigenous communities in Juneau
  • How Juneau’s Gender Support Group and Mindfulness Matters programs are making an impact
  • Why Juneau is such a unique community, and what challenges and opportunities that presents
  • And much more!

Listen to the episode for the full story.

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If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

 

This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from CivicPlus. CivicPlus’ recreation management solution is the only comprehensive activity, facility, membership, staff and point-of-sale management solution designed exclusively for municipal parks and recreation departments by former local government parks and recreation leaders. Municipal recreation departments that choose CivicPlus increase department revenue from online transactions while fostering positive civic experiences. Learn more at www.civicplus.com.