Page 16 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Advocacy
It is our goal to develop and support citizen advocacy initiatives that draw on the power of individuals to educate policymakers on issues of vital importance to the mission of park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies.
Since 1980, legislation endorsed by the IAPD has passed 92 percent of the time. Because of IAPD’s legislative efforts, countless regulations and new requirements have been avoided, saving member agencies millions of dollars. Thanks in large part to the work of the IAPD, Illinois citizens enjoy more than 642,500 acres for parks, recreation and conservation.
Legislative advocacy involves countless hours of research, preparation, relationship building, education and image building to create a successful advocacy program. It is an ongoing commitment to further the association’s reputation as a proactive and trustworthy source of legislative information to our membership, the media, the Illinois General Assembly, the Governor and members of Congress.
IAPD staff aggressively work at the State Capitol, building relationships with legislators and government officials. To help local board members build relationships with their legislators, IAPD offers the annual Legislative Reception and Conference, Legislative Breakfasts, Legislative Awareness Picnics, webinars and other forums for networking. Additional resources such as The Grassroots Commitment legislative advocacy DVD are also available.
Members of the New Lenox Community Park District with Representative Anthony DeLuca at IAPD’s Legislative Reception.
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