Get with a group.

One of the best things about attending NRPA's National Congress & Exposition is networking with other park and recreation professionals. Many of the issues you face at your agency have come up in other areas, and it's interesting to learn how agencies have approached them.

Through NRPA's Group Study Exchange Program (GSE), you can learn how similar your agency is to those in other countries, and learn new programming practices and issues. GSE helps NRPA accomplish its goal of promoting international understanding, peace and goodwill among countries. Former NRPA Trustee David Clifton, director of Sharon (Mass.) Recreation, developed the concept based on his experience with the International Rotary Group Study Exchange Program.

Group Study Exchange is a unique educational experience with a team approach that furthers international understanding by providing an opportunity for recreation and park leaders to study another country's people, culture, leisure services and facilities, as well as its institutions through personal contacts with recreation, parks and leisure professionals, their families and others. The hosting country is responsible for creating a schedule for the visiting team that displays parks, recreation and leisure in their region of the country; provides meals and lodging; pays for conference or meeting fees; and provides internal transportation throughout the tour. The visiting team members, with one serving as the team leader, are responsible for paying for or raising funds for the transportation to the country, clothing, photography and personal expenses. Most important, the returning team will share their experiences and impressions gained through a written report to the NRPA Trustee's International Affairs Committee, and reports and presentations to all interested groups.

For more information on the Group Study Exchange process, contact Dave Clifton at 781-784-1530 or Patty Carey at 781-455-7521.