52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 7, Resource Groups

Week Seven:  Resource Groups
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Membership in VRPS entitles you to an affiliation with any of the six resource groups; each works toward the advocacy of the professional's area of expertise.

Aquatics

Athletic

Cultural Diversity

Outdoors

Senior

Therapeutic Recreation

Are you interested in joining?  Would you like to become involved in networking with peers in your selective area of expertise?  In particular, VRPS is looking to "revive" Athletics, Cultural Diversity, and Therapeutic Recreation.  Interested persons are asked to contact 2013 VRPS President Katey Legg, CPRP.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 6, Service Areas

Week Six:  Service Areas
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

VRPS Membership is divided into five geographical areas.  Each service area sponsors meetings, workshops, and special events.  Identify your service area on the map and follow the link to see what's happening in your's - Who's on the board?  When is the next meeting?  How can you get involved?  Be sure to login and update your VRPS member record with your accurate service area.

1. Central
2. Eastern
3. Northern
4. Southwestern
5. Western

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 5, E-Update

Week Five:  E-Update
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Enjoy this members-only weekly publication to stay abreast of news pertinent to:

• the society,
• the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA),
• peer agencies,
• commercial representatives and sponsors,
• certifying bodies,
• peers, and
• industry activity.

E-Update is a great place to promote your event and share information, from legislation to leisure.  Recipients are strong in number.  You may also retrieve archived editions online, back to 2010, from the VRPS website.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 4, Management Conference

Week Four:  Management Conference
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

VRPS Management Conference is held every other year in late winter/early spring.  This exciting and informative educational conference is designed specifically for professional managers, directors, and administrators in the recreation, leisure, and parks profession.  The 2013 conference will focus on "Unique Management, Practices and Principles" to:

• help enhance leadership and management skills,
• inform of growing trends in the profession, and, most importantly,
• maximize resources and build partnerships.

A strong team of Fredericksburg VRPS'ers is preparing for your arrival and an excellent 2-day symposium.  Your Virginia Recreation and Park Society membership affords you a conference discount; make plans to earn CEUs, network, and grow!

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 3, Byline

Week Three:  Byline
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Not only are VRPS publications a wealth of information, they are great venues in which to be published.  In 2012 alone, VRPS enjoyed over six guest writers and topics ranging from Succession Planning to Civic Engagement to personal and professional experiences.

Magazines are published three times each year:  Spring, Summer, Fall.  Deadlines are January 31, May 15, and October 15, respectively.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 2, Hertz Discount

Week Two:  Hertz Discount
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Heading somewhere fun and/or far this year?  Your VRPS membership affords you rental discounts and a free upgrade.  

Login to the VRPS website to print your Hertz discount card.  Remember, your login id is your email address.  If you've forgotten your password, follow the link to reset it.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 1, Alphabet Soup

Week One:  Alphabet Soup

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Below is a partial list of certifications/designations within the VRPS membership community.  Need some input from a Certified Forester?  How about a Landscape Architect?

1. Login to VRPS.
2. Go to Membership Directory.
3. Enter the certification in the "Designation" field
4. Enjoy the results.

Don't forget to update your own record for yourself and your colleagues.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

• ADC (Activity Director, Certified)
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
• AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator)
• APRP (Associate Park and Recreation Professional)
• ARC (American Red Cross)
• Boater Safety
• CAA
• CAE (Certified Association Executive)
• CCM
• CPO (Certified Pool and Spa Operator)
• CTCB (Certified Tennis Court Builder)
• CTP
• CVENT (Event Management, Web Surveys, & Email Marketing)
• CYSA (Capitol Youth Soccer Association)
• Certified Forester
• E&A
• Ed. D (Doctorate of Education)
• Ed. M (Masters of Education)
• Ellis (Swimming Instruction)
• FIT
• FMP (Facility Management Professional)
• FSM (FIFA Soccer Manager)
• First Responder
• IT
• ILTP Instructor (International Leadership Training Program)
• LA (Landscape Architecture)
• LGI (Lifeguard Instructor)
• LGTI (Local Government Training Institute)
• MA
• MBA (Masters of Business Administration)
• MES
• MPA (Masters of Public Administration)
• MS
• NSCA-CPT (National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Personal Trainer)
• Network Administrator
• Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy)
• RAA
• RLA
• RYT (Registered Yoga Therapist)
• Virginia Landscape Architect
• WSIT (Water Safety Instructor Training)