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With Congress out for the summer, seize the opportunity
When the dog days of summer roll around, people turn to their local park and recreation agencies for respite and rejuvenation, from basketball camps to swim lessons and everything in between. Park and recreation professionals are the bedrocks of summer, fostering lasting memories and deep bonds in our communities. Why not turn this superpower onto your members of Congress (MOC)?
Once again, August returns, which means Congress goes on a month-long recess. Just like recess in school, this break isn’t merely an invitation to run wild, but an opportunity for MOC to meet people, create connections and inform their work back in the classroom. Okay, not a perfect analogy, but run with me.
Representatives and senators are back home, actively engaging with their constituents and looking for events in their districts. Park and recreation agencies — the superheroes of the summer — already have the spaces for hosting and the people gathered together. This period is a golden opportunity for park and recreation departments to build strong relationships with their elected officials.
Showcase Your Impact
This summer is the perfect time to demonstrate the value of parks to your MOC. Your programs and events are in full swing, and the power of parks and recreation is on full display.
Congress is negotiating the federal government’s spending budgets for the next fiscal year — not to mention there’s an election coming up in a few months.
Organizing a site visit to your trails, parks or facilities is a powerful way to highlight the benefits of parks. Showcasing the positive impact of local parks on the quality of life in their districts can inspire your congressperson to become a champion for your agency. Whether they support funding in the upcoming budget or advocate for environmental legislation in the future, having an ally in Congress is invaluable.
Don’t just schedule a visit — make it memorable. Use this opportunity to demonstrate the full range of your agency’s contributions. While your congressperson likely knows about the recreational spaces you offer, an in-person visit allows you to highlight your broader impact. Showcase your work in youth workforce development, nutrition and public health services, environmental education, sustainable infrastructure, and the myriad ways you and your agency positively impact your community.
Build Lasting Connections
Capture the event with photos and videos and share them on social media. Tag the attending officials to show your community and supporters that you’re engaging with elected representatives. This not only maintains your relationship with their office, but also opens doors for future engagements.
However, a site visit is just the beginning. The goal is to cultivate a lasting relationship with your elected officials and their staff. Keep them informed about new initiatives, invite them to future events and consistently highlight your agency’s achievements. This ongoing engagement ensures your agency remains top of mind for your representatives.
Stay Involved
As always, reach out to NRPA’s Public Policy and Advocacy team for guidance on strategic engagement with lawmakers. Share your stories and successes with us — we look forward to seeing your impactful site visits throughout the month!
Take action, make an impact and build lasting relationships during this August recess. Your efforts today will pave the way for stronger support and funding for parks and recreation tomorrow.
Dan McCarthy is Senior Manager of Advocacy at NRPA.