Commissioners connecting in California.

The nonprofit organization California Association of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and Board Members (CAPRCBM) makes it a priority to educate its fellow California commissioners and board members with education sessions and training workshops. Each year, CAPRCBM participates in the annual California Park and Recreation Society/NRPA Pacific Southwest Conference. There, CAPRCBM directors coordinates conference sessions such as "The Role and Responsibility of Commissioners and Board Members," "Working With Staff," "Advocacy" and "Open and Public--The Brown Act."

The training workshops--held on a Saturday to increase Citizens' chances of attending--are an excellent opportunity for the commissioners to meet fellow commissioners and board members within their geographic area. Lectures and discussion allow participants to learn new ideas and share experiences. Advocacy is a key point during the workshops. CAPRCBM believes in the importance in advising the California commissioners and board members of current and pending legislation that affects their communities or districts.

Last year, workshops in Burlingame and Santa Ana were attended by approximately 40 commissioners, board members or professionals. This year, one has been held in Martinez, with three more planned. The first is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Cerritos; workshops in Merced and Sacramento don't yet have confirmed dates.

The outcome of the conference sessions and workshops is better-educated volunteers who can benefit their community, agencies, district and the field of parks and recreation with their knowledge and understanding of the role of commissioner and board member.

For more information, write to [e-mail].