NRPA members from across the country and world come together to help improve and enrich the field of parks and recreation through a myriad of networking groups and volunteer opportunities.
As we approach National Volunteer Week during the last week of April, it is the perfect time to highlight the various opportunities to volunteer with NRPA!
The Value of Volunteering
Years before I joined the NRPA staff, I volunteered in several different roles with NRPA. Over the course of a decade serving in various positions in the Young Professional Network, I greatly expanded by professional network, built my confidence and met many of the people who are now my closest friends.
I built my leadership capacity during my time volunteering with the Local Host Committee when the NRPA Annual Conference came to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, in 2016.
But don’t just believe me, several other NRPA members shared their experiences volunteering in these blog posts:
- Michael Kalvort, CPRE — “I’ve been able to meet so many amazing professionals, network with talented NRPA team members, and in my own little way, give back to the profession that was good to me for so many years.”
- Edward Matthews, CPRE, AFO — “I find immense value, importance and sheer joy in volunteering with NRPA, as it offers me endless opportunities for selflessness.”
- Dr. Tiffany Johnson — “I encourage each of you to find a volunteer opportunity to engage in — it will certainly contribute to your network, your bonus family, your growth, your advancement and the growth for your organizations.”
- Jay Tryon, CPRP — “If you have not taken advantage of some of these opportunities, you are truly missing out on experiences that can change your life.”
About NRPA Volunteers
NRPA offers more than three dozen volunteer opportunities each year on different boards, committees and other groups. Volunteers are involved with so many things, including teaching at NRPA Schools, running NRPA Networks, helping at the NRPA Annual Conference, guiding NRPA’s certifications and so much more! Each year, more than 1,000 members from nearly every state and across the globe fill these roles. Nearly half of all NRPA volunteers are involved with the CAPRA agency accreditation — a program that is always accepting new volunteers!
How to Volunteer with NRPA
NRPA.org/volunteer is your one-stop shop for all aspects of volunteering with NRPA. You’ll see which committees and groups are currently looking for new volunteers — a list that changes each month. You’ll also see details about each volunteer opportunity, including the expected number of hours, eligibility requirements and responsibilities of the role. If you’re interested in one or more of the volunteer opportunities, simply log in and apply!
If you have any questions about volunteering with NRPA, I am here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at mbiedenstein@nrpa.org. I can help you find the best way for you to raise your hand to volunteer and get involved with NRPA.
Michael Biedenstein, CPRE, AFO (he/him), is NRPA’s membership engagement manager.