“Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

While money, ideologues, and partisan bickering have polluted present-day politics, President Eisenhower’s quote rings as true today as it did nearly 60 years ago. As members of our respective communities and citizens of this great nation, we all share responsibility for standing up for the greater good of the society.

In March, NRPA will host the annual National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation in Washington, D.C. The Legislative Forum is NRPA’s premier annual advocacy event and is critical to advancing the national legislative agenda for parks and recreation. This event brings together professionals and citizens for the opportunity to convey with one strong voice the priorities and concerns that impact park and recreation agencies throughout the country. The new Congress sworn in on January 3rd has 95 new members—none who know us but who need constituents and groups like ours to which they can turn as resources.

This year’s Legislative Forum is the perfect opportunity for park and recreation advocates to stand up for federal policies that recognize the critical role of parks and recreation by educating new members of Congress while reminding veteran members of all we do. 

Once you’ve registered for Legislative Forum, take these important steps to ensure you get the most from your visit to Washington. NRPA will also host a free webinar for Legislative Forum registrants on March 7, 2013.

Prepare for Your Visit Now
• Contact your state association and let them know you are attending Legislative Forum. Most associations can help you plan your visits and secure meetings with your senators and members of Congress. You can also schedule your own meetings directly with the offices of your representatives by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121 or entering your ZIP code online.
• Familiarize yourself with the issue(s) you want to discuss. Please refer to the Advocacy section of the NRPA website.
• NRPA will provide fact sheets and other materials to leave behind with your legislator. However, nothing influences legislators more than real-life stories about how constituents in the legislator’s district or state have benefited from programs on the NRPA platform. Come equipped with examples of how these programs have made an impact in your state and local community and discuss the potential of future projects. Having kids draw pictures of their local parks and asking their members of Congress to support LWCF Stateside Assistance or urban park funding is a great example of effective advocacy.
• Be familiar with your representative’s stance on key issues.

Advocate From Home
If you are unable to make it to Washington in March, you can still serve as a home advocate for parks and recreation.
• Contact your legislator’s local and Washington offices. Developing a relationship with your senator or representative’s staff can be just as important as personally meeting the legislator. Call the office, identify yourself as a constituent, and ask to speak with the staff person who handles the particular issue you want to discuss. Specify the action you would like the legislator to take (e.g., sign onto a bill, vote in favor of a bill, etc.).
• Attend town hall meetings held by your representative and invite him or her to events or facilities. Voice support for parks and recreation at public meetings, and invite legislators and staff to ribbon cuttings at park and recreation facilities in their district. You may also want to contact local news outlets if the member of Congress agrees to attend.
• Spread the word. Share your success stories. This could be anything from successful programs that have achieved quantifiable objectives to strategies that have worked in your community to engage local, state, or federal policy makers. Do not pass up opportunities to speak about the value of parks and recreation.

Ultimately, public opinion plays a huge rule in how elected officials make decisions. We must shape the general perception of park and recreation resources as essential public services.  

Joel Pannell is NRPA’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist.