I wouldn’t be able to share my 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience without thanking those who gave me the opportunity to attend, including the individuals who served on the Scholarships and Fellowships Award Committee, as well as the amazing parks and recreation department here in Douglasville, Georgia.
This opportunity was a dream come true, and I am so thankful for the support I received to make this possible. Receiving NRPA’s Diversity Scholarship in 2023 not only provided financial relief to attend the conference but also affirmed my commitment to my field.
Attending any conference is often an unforgettable experience, and my time at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference was nothing short of extraordinary. One of my favorite moments at the conference was planting my first tree through the Day of Service Project! This simple task was so impactful because the members of this community frequently visited this park that significantly lacked shaded areas, which helped me to further the weight of our service.
Pictured: Jamiah Flagg and her peers planted trees at the Day of Service at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas.
I also have to give a special shoutout to my agency, Douglasville Parks and Recreation, as we were recognized as a Gold Medal Award Finalist last year (this year, too!). I had the opportunity to attend the award ceremony with my work family, and being in the room with other premier agencies from across the nation was inspiring. The energy and dedication of these top-tier organizations highlighted the vast scope of work being done and gave me a clearer perspective on my own efforts within my community.
Pictured: Jamiah Flagg holds Douglasville Parks and Recreation's National Gold Medal Award Finalist plaque.
The experience I gained at the NRPA Annual Conference was probably the best educational catalyst for my career; it further ignited my passion for parks and really motivated me to go after what I wanted, which was a CPRP certification. So, not long after the conference, I took a (giant) leap of faith as one of the few in my agency to achieve this milestone, and passed! I believe receiving my CPRP has been a direct result of the inspiration and knowledge I gained from the conference.
I am so excited that the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference will be held in my own backyard in Atlanta! This means I get to connect with thousands of dedicated park and recreation professionals who have the same visions that I do, while experiencing this unforgettable event once again. So if you have the chance to attend the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference this October 8-10, just do it! You won’t regret it!
Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is the recreation program coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation.