Page 3 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Vision Statement
As a national leader, IAPD will provide superb association services to its members.
IAPD will achieve our vision by:
 Educating elected and appointed officials to work in cooperation with fellow board members and
professionals to promote a stronger community through public parks, recreation and conservation.
 Strengthening alliances with environmental, economic and human service agencies throughout Illinois
and the nation.
 Maintaining a strong relationship with state and national government leaders.
 Establishing grants and other new revenue streams for our members.
 Addressing the problem of decreasing open spaces and natural areas in Illinois.
 Assisting our members in the promotion of healthy lifestyles for all ages and abilities.
 Assisting our members in meeting community challenges, such as youth-at-risk, obesity and the
demands of growing senior and diverse populations.
 Helping our member agencies thrive in spite of limited tax-based revenues.
IAPD’s organizational strengths include the creation and delivery of:
 Orientation and training programs for citizen board members and professional staff.
 Citizen advocacy initiatives that direct and 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.
 Educational materials such as Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine, books and newsletters, webinars,
IAPD’s website, in-depth and challenging educational seminars, webinars and a nationally respected
annual state conference.
 Technical assistance that helps member agencies increase their efficiency, meet their goals or acquire
additional funding.
 Opportunities for member agencies to save costs on such budget items as goods and services and
utilities, telecommunications, insurance and other operational expenses.
The IAPD will continue to achieve these results in a fiscally responsible manner that assures the viability of the association and its membership.
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