Kansans for Conservation Coalition: Updates and Invitation to Day at the Capitol

Last week, the Kansans for Conservation (KFC) coalition convened during the Governor's Water Conference, where vital updates and discussions highlighted the progress and future plans for conservation efforts in Kansas.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the state to hear insights from Kansas Water Office Director Connie Owens, who shared recent changes to the Kansas Water Fund and explained upcoming adjustments to the budget process. These updates underscore the evolving approach to resource management, ensuring the Kansas Water Fund remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

The coalition also received valuable updates from the KFC Communication Committee, which detailed their ongoing work to promote conservation priorities across Kansas. Additionally, the meeting featured a legislative update, focusing on changes in the state legislature following the recent election and their potential impact on conservation policies.

A highlight of the session was the presentation of preliminary findings from Kansas State University's new feasibility study, which explores innovative solutions to address Kansas’s most pressing water and resource challenges. The study promises to provide actionable insights that will help shape the state’s conservation strategies.

Join Us for KFC Day at the Capitol

As we look ahead, one of the most important opportunities for collaboration and advocacy is the upcoming KFC Day at the Capitol, scheduled for February 25, 2025. This event offers a unique chance to connect directly with legislators, showcase the importance of conservation, and advocate for policies that protect and enhance Kansas's natural resources.

To ensure we can plan effectively for this important day, we kindly ask you to RSVP by December 18, 2024. Your participation is vital to amplifying the collective voice of conservation in Kansas.

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/wj1qzgWyiB

Why Attend?

• Connect with policymakers: Share the importance of conservation and its impact on Kansas communities.
• Collaborate with peers: Network with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to preserving Kansas’s natural resources.
• Stay informed: Gain firsthand insight into legislative priorities and opportunities to influence conservation policies.

We encourage all members and conservation advocates to mark their calendars and RSVP today. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in shaping the future of conservation and outdoor recreation in Kansas.

We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol!

KRPA is excited to collaborate again with the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) to offer members access to new, enriching educational opportunities. These exclusive webinars will help keep members up-to-date on current trends and essential skills. Get ready to broaden your expertise and connect with leaders from across the industry! Details below.

Navigating Conflict: Conversations that Connect  -  Register Here
December 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Difficult conversations, when not handled effectively, or not handled at all, comes with a significant cost. The cost to your business is time and productivity. The cost to relationships in the workplace is a breakdown in trust and engagement. Your organization can’t afford for this to happen. Empower your leaders with the mindset and skillset to engage in tough conversations more effectively. Transform conflict into collaboration and have your tough conversations with less stress and more success. This session will NOT be recorded so you will need to attend live to receive the CEU credit.

Turning the Power On In Empowerment  -  Register Here
January 9, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Learning how to unlock your team’s potential through empowerment and distinct culture change from traditional government. Power and Empowerment are not just buzzwords of the day, but can be an effective leadership strategy to move your team into action. Consider registering for the second part of this topic on January 24.

Matrix: Dive into a Developmental Plan -   Register Here
January 24, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Description Coming Soon

Leadership in Action – Integrating Leadership, Equity, Accessibility and Diversity  -  Register Here
February 26, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
This session will go beyond the buzzwords to discuss L.E.A.D principles and how they can be integrated into any management style or organization. The focus of this interactive presentation will be practical implementation and understanding relevant challenges, opportunities and starting points.

Market your TR Program as a RT  -  Register Here
March 4, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Use the skills you have right in your RT toolbox to help develop a comprehensive marketing plan for your Therapeutic Recreation program and better market yourself as an RT! In this session you will learn how to develop a comprehensive program plan to better market your TR program, develop a Therapeutic Recreation Goal Guide, and learn more about SEO and digital marketing along the way!

Nomination Forms for All KRPA Awards (Branch, Distinguished and Hall of Fame) Now Available Are you aware of someone within your agency, the association, a board member, a volunteer or a local leader who has made a meaningful difference in helping your agency or the Parks and Recreation industry achieve success?  Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor the individual by nominating them to be honored at the 2025 KRPA Conference in Manhattan. In an effort to streamline the nomination process, the awards committee has made all awards (Hall of Fame, Distinguished and Branch Awards) available now. The deadlines are as follows: -  Branch Award nominations are due September 25, 2024. -  Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 11, 2024. All award nomination forms will be completed online this year, in lieu of a fillable pdf. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org. Special thanks to our official Awards Sponsor, Aspire 2 Play!  Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 11, 2024. All award nomination forms will be completed online this year, in lieu of a fillable pdf. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org.

________________________________ Hall of Fame Nomination Form Hall of Fame Award Learn about the Hall of Fame Nomination requirements on the KRPA Awards webpage. Please fill out Distinguished nomination forms by October 11, 2024. Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored in January 2025 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________ Distinguished Award Nominations Forms Distinguished Fellow Award Distinguished Professional Award Distinguished New Professional Award Distinguished Board or Commission Member Award Distinguished Elected Official Award Distinguished Public Service Award Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Volunteer Award                Visit the KRPA Awards webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Distinguished Award nomination forms by October 11, 2024. The Distinguished Annual KRPA Awards will be celebrated in January 2025 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________ Branch Award Nominations Forms Administration Branch- Outstanding Leadership Award Administration Branch- (New) Outstanding Marketing Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Park Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Valor/Lifesaving Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Visit the KRPA Branch Award webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Branch Award nomination forms by September 25, 2024. The Branch Awards will be celebrated in January 2025 during the KRPA Conference Branch Roundtables.

Call for KRPA Board of Directors Nominations

This is your opportunity to serve as a leader in KRPA! The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is seeking candidates to serve on the 2025 KRPA Board of Directors in the following positions:

President-Elect (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- East (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- General (serves 3 years)

Each nominee must submit a completed Board Candidate form (see below) and send a digital photo (head shot) to Erika Devore at erika@krpa.org no later than August 31, 2024.  All applications will be reviewed by the KRPA Nominating Committee.  Email Erika Devore if you have questions about serving on the board.

Qualifications to serve on the KRPA Board of Directors

President- Elect (Serves 3 Years) 
Must be a current voting member of the Association and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Must have had an elected position on the board and two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively. Must be available to serve for three years as an officer of the Association, one year in each of the following positions:  President-Elect, President and Past-President.  The President-Elect will serve as the KRPA Conference Planning Chair for the following year KRPA Conference.  

Regional Representative East (Serves 3 Year Term) Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively  Shall require a minimum of one-year as a voting member of KRPA and maintaining a recreation and/or parks position within the boundaries of the East Region.  

Member At Large- General (Serves 3 Year Term)
Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively.

Nomination Deadline:  August 31, 2024  

Download the Board of Directors Nomination form and Regional Map:

KRPA Nomination application President Elect.pdf

KRPA Nomination application_Regional_Representative.pdf

KRPA Nomination application_At Large_General.pdf

Regional Map.JPG

Swing Into Action: Join Us for the KRPA Golf Tournament!

Join us for a swinging good time at the upcoming KRPA Golf Tournament, happening on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the picturesque Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, Kansas. Whether you're a novice or seasoned golfer, this event promises networking opportunities and plenty of fun for all. Open to both KRPA members and non-members, the tournament is not only a chance to showcase your skills on the green but also an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event will support the KRPA Scholarship Fund, ensuring access to educational opportunities for aspiring professionals in the field. Download the tournament brochure here.

Register today to secure your spot: $100 per person or $400 per team. 

Click here to register your team.

Click here to register as an individual.

Registration includes:
- 18 holes of golf
- Range balls
- Golf cart
- 2 drink tickets
- Special event holes
- Longest drive (men/women)
- Closest to the pin (men/women)
- Longest putt (all)
- Catered lunch
- Swag bag

Check-in: 7:30 am, Shotgun start: 8:30 am

Let's tee off for a day of camaraderie and support!

WANT TO BE A SPONSOR? SPACE LIMITED!
Click here to sponsor.
$200 Hole Sponsorship includes:
- Signage on course
- Information placed on marketing materials
- Option to include swag to players

For questions, please email Cindy Lawrence at cindy.lawrence@jocogov.org.

Exclusive Leadership Consulting Opportunity for KRPA Members

Check out this opportunity designed for your personal and professional advancement: Leadership Consulting, now exclusively accessible to our esteemed members through Ticia Herd, your fellow member of KRPA.

Ticia Herd, trained through the Kansa Leadership Center’s (KLC) Leadership Coaching Program and working towards certification by the International Coaching Federation, brings a wealth of expertise and insight to her coaching practice. By availing yourself of this opportunity, not only will you benefit personally and professionally, but the entirety of the consulting fee will directly support KRPA initiatives, further strengthening our community.

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from Leadership Coaching:

- Job or Career Change/Improvement

- Personal and Professional Development/Growth

- Strategize and Create Goals

- Discover or Refresh your Passion

- Avoid Burnout

- Custom Design Your Future

- Define Your Personal or Professional Mission

- Outline Your Priorities

- Unlock New Perspectives on Challenges

- Open-Mindedness

- Self-Awareness

- Multiple Interpretations

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as a collaborative process that inspires individuals to unlock their full potential. Through this partnership, you will gain fresh insights, strategies, and perspectives to propel your career and personal life forward.

To take advantage of this exclusive offering, simply register through the KRPA website. If you have any questions or would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact Ticia Herd directly.

Thank you for being a valued member of our association. We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that support your continued success.

Special Scholarship NCAA Tournament Grid Game Fundraiser Are you ready for some March Madness excitement? Here's your golden opportunity to support KRPA's Scholarship Program while also getting a shot at some cash prizes! Here's how it works: 1. Donate & Secure Your Square: A donation of $20 secures a square in our NCAA men’s basketball tournament grid. When you donate, your name placed in a grid square.

After all 100 squares are sold and names have been placed on the 10x10 grid, and numbers 0-9 will be randomly drawn for each row and column (see above in gray). Numbers will not be assigned until after the squares have been purchased and names placed. 2.Win on Every Game: With 100 squares available, you have the chance to win on each of the 67 games in the tournament.  At the end of each NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Game, the square corresponding to the final score wins! Here's an example: Here's an example from last year's board- if the final game score is 79-76, then the winner is Betty Zeka with the square Winner-9 and Loser-6 (see below image). An important note to make is that only the last number of the scores are considered, so if the winner's score is 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, or so on, it means the Winner Line is 4.

3. Generous Payouts: We're offering generous payouts for each stage of the tournament: - Play-In and 1st Round Games: $5 - 2nd Round Games: $10 - Sweet 16 Games: $20 - Elite 8 Games: $40 - Semi Final Games: $80 - Championship Game: $180 4. How to Participate: Simply click here to donate for your square(s). In the comment section, please add "Grid Game." The deadline to participate is March 14th. 5. Receive Your Numbers: Your square numbers will be emailed to you on Monday, March 18th. Please Note: You may donate more for more squares! (Suggested donation of $20 per square.) All squares not sold will belong to KRPA. Any winnings associated with a KRPA square will be donated to the scholarship fund. Don't miss out on this thrilling opportunity to support a great cause and potentially win big! Thank you for your generosity in helping us provide scholarships to deserving individuals.

Mark Your Calendars: KRPA Membership Call on November 16th!

We're thrilled to announce an important date for all our valued members: the upcoming KRPA Membership Call on November 16th! As we head into a new season, this call is your chance to stay informed, engaged, and connected with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association community.

What can you expect from this exciting event?

1. **Membership Updates:** Be the first to hear about the latest developments within KRPA. From new member benefits, initiatives, or exciting opportunities, we've got plenty of updates to share.

2. **Q&A Session:** Have burning questions or suggestions? This is your chance to voice them! We value your input and want to ensure that your membership experience is exceptional.

3. **Special Guests:** Hear from a U.S. Soccer Foundation representative about unique and new soccer opportunities.

4. **Exclusive Insights:** Get insights into upcoming events, conferences, and educational opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve and plan your involvement in advance.

**Date and Time:**

November 16, 2023
12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

**Location:**

️ Virtual - Join from anywhere!

Zoom Meeting Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81039258555?pwd=VWxCajFUbWtrNzlTTUJUOU91U2JFdz09

Meeting ID: 810 3925 8555

Passcode: 757051

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Don't miss out on this chance to be an active part of the KRPA community. Keep your eyes on your inbox for further details and instructions on how to join the call.

At KRPA, we're dedicated to supporting your professional growth and fostering connections within our community. Save the date. We can't wait to virtually see you on November 16th!

Nomination Forms for All KRPA Awards (Branch, Distinguished and Hall of Fame) Now Available Are you aware of someone within your agency, the association, a board member, a volunteer or a local leader who has made a meaningful difference in helping your agency or the Parks and Recreation industry achieve success?  Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor the individual by nominating them to be honored at the 2024 KRPA Conference in Wichita. In an effort to streamline the nomination process, the awards committee has made all awards (Hall of Fame, Distinguished and Branch Awards) available now. The deadlines are as follows: Branch Award nominations are due September 29, 2023. Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 13, 2023. All award nomination forms will be completed online this year, in lieu of a fillable pdf. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org. ________________________________ Hall of Fame Nomination Form 2024 Hall of Fame Award Learn about the Hall of Fame Nomination requirements on the KRPA Awards webpage. Please fill out Distinguished nomination forms by October 13, 2023. Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored on January 31, 2024 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________   Distinguished Award Nominations Forms Distinguished Fellow Award Distinguished Professional Award Distinguished New Professional Award Distinguished Board or Commission Member Award Distinguished Elected Official Award Distinguished Public Service Award Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Volunteer Award                Visit the KRPA Awards webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Distinguished Award nomination forms by October 13, 2023. The Distinguished Annual KRPA Awards will be celebrated on January 31, 2024 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________   Branch Award Nominations Forms Administration Branch- Outstanding Leadership Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Program or Event Award Park Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Valor/Lifesaving Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Visit the KRPA Branch Award webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Branch Award nomination forms by September 29, 2023. The Branch Awards will be celebrated on January 31, 2024 during the KRPA Conference Social.

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament The 36th Annual KRPA Golf Tournament is back, and it’s time to dust off those clubs and hit the links! Join us on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the picturesque Derby Golf & County Club, located at 2600 N. Triple Creek Drive in Derby, Kansas. (Thank you, Derby Recreation Commission, for hosting this fun event.) With a shotgun start at 9:00 AM, this tournament promises to be a fantastic day of friendly competition and networking with your fellow park and recreation professionals. And after you finish your round, join us at the clubhouse for a delicious lunch and awards ceremony. So don’t wait- register your team now and secure your spot in this fantastic event. Don't have a team? No problem. Click here to register as an individual to be placed on a team. Whether you’re an experience golfer or just a start out, the KRPA Golf Tournament is sure to be a day to remember. See you on the greens! Tournament Details: · $80/golfer or $320/team · Includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, cart, two drink tickets, lunch and mulligans (beverages can be purchased in the clubhouse) ·  4 person scramble format · Registration opens at 7:45am · Shotgun start at 9:00am · Lunch will be ready after completion of your round · Deadline to register is August 21, 2023 · Click here for complete brochure.