Community Mobilization Initiative.

For many of you, the face of NRPA is most visible at our annual Congress and Mid-Year meetings. We use this time to inform members and professionals of the advances NRPA is making towards bringing our goals and initiatives to surface through funding, resources, and the dedication toward our important cause. Our National Programs office makes strides at achieving our goals to develop programs that are as beneficial as they are rewarding. We are always looking for new and better ways to reach the communities that know the impact parks and recreation have on health, fitness, quality living, and self-improvement.

An exciting summit was held recently at the Ahren's NRPA Institute to develop a plan that will transform how NRPA works with local agencies and partner organizations on national issues that are important to individuals and communities nationwide. Attending the meeting were representatives from national program partners, researchers, universities, affiliates, agencies, NRPA leadership, and staff.

The NRPA Community Mobilization Initiative will focus on lifelong health, quality sports, and bridging the digital divide by creating magnet centers in partnership with park and recreation agencies. Each magnet center will commit to a national issue and work with NRPA and national partners through a benefits-based process that will mobilize each agency and community to have a positive impact locally. Selected magnet centers will also serve as "geographic magnets" for professional development and outreach to other agencies.

Funding currently exists for fifty magnet centers to focus on lifelong health and ten for quality sports. Each magnet center agency will receive staff training and resource materials to develop a local plan of action. Already tested successfully in North Carolina and Virginia, the Community Mobilization Initiative will take NRPA directly into the field to assist local agencies by supporting core issues that are relevant to park and recreation services.

We are excited about this new initiative and are confident that the steps we are taking will promote the ideals that have made NRPA the driving force in extending productive opportunities in parks and recreation. We will keep all of our members updated on the progress of our new steps and work together with our communities to ensure success. We are also pleased to be working with The National Football League Charities, a group that has awarded NRPA a $125,000 grant to open a National Center of Youth Sports and Parent Education program. NRPA will be developing a youth sport parent education program with North Carolina State University as part of the grant.

If you would like to learn more about the NRPA Community Mobilization Initiative or become involved, contact the National Programs office at 800-649-3042 or at [e-mail].