General Information

In order to meet the educational needs of our MRPA membership, we would like to create a comprehensive library of diverse relevant training proposals that will be readily available to offer for various programs throughout the year. In order to create such a library of training topics, MRPA is issuing this call for Preliminary Training Proposals.  Please note: this is a call for General Proposals, not the Call for Proposals for the 2018 Conference.

MRPA Mission Statement. The purpose of the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association, Inc. is to unite recreation and park professionals and citizen advocates to advance park, recreation and environmental conservation efforts through networking, development and training and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.

Recommended Topics can be found here.   

Who should consider submitting proposals?

• Park and recreation professionals
• Park and recreation and related educators
• Park and recreation students
• Park and recreation vendors, contractors and related groups
• Professional speakers and professionals aligned with park and recreation's mission
• Planners, Landscape Architects, Public Health Administrators, City and County Managers, Naturalists
• Anyone interested in sharing their knowledge with park and recreation professionals
• Presenters should have experience with public speaking and have conducted an educational training session in the past. For those interested in presenting with little or no experience, it is suggestion to co-present.
  

Selection Criteria

MRPA seeks to fulfill the educational needs of our members by offering diverse, captivating and comprehensive training sessions that reflect a multitude of perspectives. We will select sessions based on their contribution to the following criteria:

1. Overall quality of the proposal (appropriate grammar, no misspellings)
   
2.  Focused and well-defined topic (well written summary)
3. Timeliness of topic (adheres to current trends; aligns with available technology)
4. Relevance to the park and recreation profession
5. Practical application of material (will the audience have immediate application of the content?)
6. Presentation experience and skills of the proposed speaker(s)
7. Adheres to MRPA Mission

Training Incentives

Intrinsic Motivators

• Networking
• Sharing your knowledge and expertise with others
• Gaining credibility as an authority on specific subjects
• Opportunities to mentor professionals interested in the subject matter

Extrinsic Motivators

MRPA will launch the MRPA Training Network of accomplished trainers who have successfully conducted more than ten individualized trainings for MRPA (co-presenting is acceptable). This Training Network will be made available to all MRPA Agencies to conduct in-house training based upon availability. In order to remain in good standing in the MRPA Training Network, professionals must conduct at least one MRPA training in the past two years and become an ambassador to help identify new and developing trainers in the field.

Training Times

MRPA trainings are held Monday - Friday on non-holidays.

MRPA hosts 1/2 day and 90 minute training sessions.

1/2 Day Training Options:

8:30 AM - Noon with continental breakfast (3 hours of trainings; 1/2 hour for check-in/breakfast)

10:00 AM - 2:30 PM with Lunch (3 hours of training; 1/2 hour for check-in and one hour for lunch)

Training Locations

Please specify if your training requires specific facility requirements (pool, playground, etc.)

Commercial / Promotional Restrictions

Your presentation may NOT sell, raffle or otherwise promote a product, service or organization in which you have a financial interest.

Applying for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Many MRPA members work hard to retain their professional certifications, which require CEUs. Once your session has been accepted, presenters will be required to complete and submit the CEU form.

Ready to Submit Your Training Ideas?

Step One - Complete the Preliminary Training Proposal Form (below)

Step Two - Review by Training Committee

Step Three - Once accepted, you will be required to complete a CEU Request Form.

Questions?

Please contact Chuck Montrie at chuck@mrpanet.org or Maureen Dougherty at Maureen@letsgodrmo.com