Perspectives: learning is a life-long expedition: expanding your knowledge is important on an individual, professional and association level.

Education and training has been an important role of NRPA from its inception, and remains one of the association's highest priorities. Learning is life-long, and NRPA provides schools, institutes and conferences where the park and recreation community can come together to exchange ideas and information. Each event is a valuable resource to the advancement of research and the professional development of attendees--citizens, professionals and students alike.

To be our individual, professional and association best it is important for 1) NRPA to offer comprehensive and diverse training programs that meet the needs and professional development of our members at all levels; 2) each individual to seek continuous training and education opportunities to stay abreast of current trends that will result in best practices and services to those we serve; and 3) a variety of easy access systems to be established to ensure our members' ongoing networking and sharing of best practices and experiences to elevate performance and outcomes.

These expectations have led NRPA into adopting its strategic goal of building and maintaining "a diversified education, training and professional development capability that is responsive to the needs of the membership."

To meet this goal, it is critical that an assessment of NRPA schools and training is completed and an annual review is established to ensure that the education and training opportunities are meeting the needs of our members.

The evaluation is to be completed by this fall. Until then, education and training opportunities already exist and they include more than 15 different schools and/or institutes held annually throughout the U.S., including the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion, National Maintenance Management Schools and the Revenue Development School.

Distance learning on the NRPA Web site offers Lecture of the Month and Online Continuing Education with Web-based training coming soon. The September Lecture of the Month is "Programmers Toolbox." Log-in and use these learning tools.

One of the most valuable opportunities for training and networking comes during the 2005 San Antonio Congress and Exposition, Oct. 18-22. This year's event includes intriguing education sessions, a comprehensive exhibit hall of the latest industry products, governance interaction and important discussions, and many opportunities for networking and socialization with citizen, professional and student peers.

Other Congress highlights include the NRPA Experience with National Partner Playground, Student Zone and Career Center, Ask-the-Expert Center, and Citizen Volunteer Recognition. Visit www.nrpa.org for more details and registration.

I always believe "to get you have to give." I encourage each member to step forward to be an instructor, presenter and/or serve on school boards. It expands your network and professional development, and continues the exchange of knowledge from one person to the next.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2005 NRPA Congress & Exposition in San Antonio, Texas!

Lori J. Daniel, CPRP 

NRPA President