A significant number of park and recreation leaders will retire over the next five to 10 years.  Several of these retirements have already taken place and announcements are made on a frequent basis that another leader in the field is retiring.  Are tomorrow’s leaders ready to take over?  It is important for today’s leaders to share their knowledge with those that are preparing to take over if the momentum of the parks movement in Illinois is to continue.   

One way to help share this knowledge is getting involved as either a mentor or protégé through the IPRA Mentoring Program.  It was created several years ago to help all Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) members complement the career/professional counseling relationship an employee may have with their supervisor.  It is not intended to replace any of the formal or informal counseling/mentoring relationships that already exist within or outside a person’s place of employment.  IPRA members are encouraged to develop several informal mentoring relationships throughout their careers as a means to nurture and foster the park and recreation professional.

It is easy to get involved in this informal process as it can all be done with a few keystrokes and clicks of the mouse online.  Mentors simply submit their information online for prospective protégés to select.  After submitting information, they will be sent information regarding the program and will be available for selection by protégés.

Protégés can sign up, review the various available mentors, and select one.  An e-mail is sent and the mentor is contacted.  This is open to everyone…students, professionals new to the field and professionals that are looking to advance in the field. 

The mentor and protégé relationship is completely flexible.  This program is voluntary and provides individuals with an opportunity to:

• Build professional relationships.
• Discuss career goals and project issues with someone outside of the employee’s direct reporting relationship.
• Provide a forum where ideas, questions, and career development are openly discussed.
• Share the IPRA knowledge capital, foster networking within the career, and professionally enhance the career of IPRA members.

Sign up as a mentor or protégé today.  The future of the profession is counting on all to get involved.  If you have any additional questions, please contact John Robinson from the Arlington Heights Park District or Ron Schneider of the Freeport Park District for more information.