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In July, more than 30 members of NRPA’s Business Council, Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee joined NRPA staff in Washington, D.C., for a quick but effective advocacy trip in support of NRPA’s legislative agenda. This was the first time these groups gathered to advocate for the issues that are important to the park and recreation field.
Advocacy in Action
The day started with a panel discussion I was honored to moderate that brought together NRPA Board Member and Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation AP Diaz and representatives from both the United States Departments of Interior and Housing and Urban Development. The federal representatives spoke about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Community Development Block Grant programs, while Diaz shared how his department has utilized both programs.
Spreading the Message
Following the panel, attendees were trained in messaging and protocol for congressional meetings. We then headed to Capitol Hill for our advocacy work. Attendees endured Washington, D.C.’s most intense heatwave since the dust bowl to take the message to lawmakers. Advocates shared with Congress the importance of passing the Outdoors for All Act, which would codify the LWCF grant program for under-resourced communities that do not have access to local parks. The group also shared the importance of parks and recreation and asked Congress to properly fund the programs that support it.
Supporting Outdoors for All
We finished our day by gathering socially to debrief and relax. It was a long and sweltering day, but the attendees had a great day advocating for NRPA. We know that the work of the attendees was important to getting Outdoors for All across the finish line. We also are hopeful this is just the first of many such advocacy events.
SEE ALSO: “Outdoors for All Act: Reaching for the Finish Line,” Kyle Simpson, Parks & Recreation, March 2024, Vol. 59, Iss. 3. “The Year Ahead in Washington, D.C.,” Dan McCarthy, Parks & Recreation, January 2024, Vol. 59, Iss. 1.
Kyle Simpson is Director of Government Affairs at NRPA.