NRPA Expands Its Outreach.

In an effort to promote recreation opportunities for at-risk youth and expand its outreach to major urban centers, the National Recreation and Park Association has named John Webster to head its newly formed Youth Services initiative. Webster, 36, a native of Salisbury, Md., comes to NRPA from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where he worked for eight years as a regional manager.

A three-year program, funded by the National Recreation Foundation, the initiative will be responsible for developing effective, cooperative relationships between NRPA and other national organizations working with youth.

"What we're trying to do is develop programs on a national level, assist and support parks that need our help with at-risk programs, and create a resource for agencies that want to know about different ideas and programs that can be implemented to influence the future of youth," said Webster. "We can refer their concerns here and be able to better equip them with information on successful programs throughout the country."

Webster cites recent episodes of youth violence, such as the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., and the shootings in Conyers, Ga., as the catalyst for the formation of NRPA's Youth Services initiative. "I think many young people have always been out there in at-risk environments; it's always been an issue. But some things have happened recently, unfortunately, that have brought it more to the forefront, made it more of a national priority."

"We feel very confident to have John at the helm of this program," said R. Dean Tice, NRPA executive director. "His enthusiasm is contagious, and he's certainly hit the ground running. We couldn't be more pleased to welcome him aboard."

NRF executive director Dr. Charles Hartsoe said the NRF board felt it crucial for NRPA to have a stronger role in dealing with the problem of at-risk youth.

"Now," said Hartsoe, "NRPA will be able to form cooperative relationships with other youth-serving organizations and expand its outreach and technical assistance to major urban areas."

"Long term," Webster reinforced, "We hope to create national programs that address the policies and concerns of all youth. I believe that every young person -- regardless of sex, regardless of economic background, regardless of age -- can be considered `at-risk.' It's crucial that we expose them to as many recreational opportunities as possible."

The 1999 National Dorothy Mullen Arts & Humanities Awards Program

National Competition of the Best of Park and Recreation Arts & Humanities Programming

NRPA is proud to once again offer the National Dorothy Mullen Arts & Humanities competition. Call, fax or write for an application, complete it, and send it to NRPA by July 15, 1999.

There will be ten (10) awards given in five (5) population classes (two per class). Winners will be recognized at the 1999 NRPA Congress & Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee (October 20-24). In addition, winners will also receive, as provided by our 1999 sponsor, S&S Worldwide, a $250 certificate good toward the purchase of S&S Worldwide products.

To receive an application:

Call NRPA at [phone] OR Fax a request to NRPA at [phone] OR E-mail a request to Mike Corwin at [e-mail]

Calling All Student Members!

Do you know that you can now add a professional branch to your student membership without paying an additional fee? If you have already added a professional branch, you will no longer be billed for the professional branch when you renew your membership. Call [phone] and add your choice of a professional branch today.