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Benefits of Membership
Membership Benefits
The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association is committed to providing education, resources, and networking opportunities to professionals, support groups, and interested citizens to assist them in their role as advocates for parks and recreation services.
VRPA prides itself on providing personalized service. We strive to continuously update services based on the needs of our members. Click here for a membership application. Member benefits include:
Continuing Education
VRPA provides quality continuing education sessions for its membership at reduced rates. The annual Governor's Conference on Recreation offers approximately twenty educational sessions and an educational program is offered in conjunction with each VRPA quarterly meeting. VRPA also hosts national training programs such as the National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) on a rotating basis.
Leadership Opportunities
Members have numerous opportunities to develop leadership abilities and build credentials in the parks, recreation, and leisure services field. Leadership positions are available at the state, regional and national levels.
Meeting Notices
Notices of VRPA quarterly meetings and conferences, and a variety of regional and national recreation conferences and workshops, are sent to VRPA members, some via email and others through the US postal service.
Membership Directory
The annual VRPA Membership Directory provides members a link to fellow professionals, agencies and commercial suppliers. The membership directory is available to all members in both electronic and hard-copy format, and is available exclusively to members only.
Networking
Membership in VRPA provides many invaluable opportunities throughout the year to meet other people who work and volunteer in parks and recreation. Develop a network of contacts eager to share ideas and experiences.
Newsletter
The VRPA newsletter, The Advocate, is published three times a year. In addition to VRPA news, the newsletter contains news from several related groups such as the VT Youth Conservation Corp, the VT Trails and Greenways Council, the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and the National Recreation and Park Association. Submission of materials by members is always welcome. The newsletter is mailed to all members and available online.
Recreation Check-In
The weekly Recreation Check-In provides up-to-date information about current issues in parks and recreation and in the VRPA, funding and grant resources, training opportunities and job vacancies within the New England region, and an opportunity to ask questions of others on the email list and get help with your problems. The Check-In is emailed every Friday and is available exclusively to members only.
Registration Discounts
VRPA members receive registration discounts to all VRPA sponsored programs, meetings, and activities.
Resource Materials
VRPA members enjoy access to the national certification program, awards, technical assistance, and many other resources. For details of the NRPA national certification program, click here.