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Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form 

See below for qualifications and selection process info.

Volunteer Interest Form

How Can I Get Involved?

One-Time Event Volunteer

Role: Conference Session Moderator

Selection Process & Timeline: Event Volunteer Sign-up in December of each year

Term Length: Day-Of Event

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-2 hours

Prerequisites: Conference Attendee

Role: Lifeguard Games Event Volunteer

Selection Process: Event Volunteer Sign-up

Term Length: Day-Of Event

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 Day

Prerequisites: N/A

Role: Park Pursuit Event Volunteer

Selection Process & Timeline: Event Volunteer Sign-up in March/April of each year.

Term Length: Day-Of Event

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 Day

Prerequisites: N/A

Role: Senior Games Event Volunteer

Selection Process & Timeline: Event Volunteer Sign-up in April/May of each year.

Term Length: Day-Of Event

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 Day

Prerequisites: N/A

Section Volunteer

*Opportunities available in each of the 8 sections

Role: Section Director (8 Sections)

Description: Each Section Director is responsible for overseeing all section operations in their section.  The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process & Timeline: Elected by Members in October of each year.  

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 2-3 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, Section Leadership Experience, and Section Membership

Role: Section Education Director (8 Sections)

Description: Each Section Education Director is responsible for overseeing all section education opportunities in their section.  The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process & Timeline: Elected by Members in October of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 2-3 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, Section Leadership Experience, and Section Membership

Role: Section Communication Director (8 Sections)

Description: Each Section Communication Director is responsible for overseeing all section communication and networking in their section.  The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process & Timeline: Elected by Members in October of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 2-3 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, Section Leadership Experience, and Section Membership

Role: Awards Committee Chair (8 Sections)

Description: Each Awards Committee Chair will oversee the awards process for their section's awards. The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process: Appointed by Section Director in December of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 2-3 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Section Membership

Role: Conference Program Committee Co-Chair (8 Sections)

Description: There are two co-chairs per Section.  Each Conference Committee Co-Chair is responsible for developing section conference session proposals, recruiting speakers to submit proposals, and representing their section on the IPRA Conference Program Committee. The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process: Appointed by Section Education Director in December of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: Four Meetings plus session review time

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Section Membership

Role: Section Engagement Committee Chair (8 Sections)

Description: Each Section Engagement Committee Chair will assist in promoting section events, publishing section news on IPRA Connect, recruiting new members, and developing networking/social events for their section. The eight section positions are available within Administration & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Diversity, Facility Management, Forest Preserve & Conservation Section, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.  

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by Section Communication Director by December of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Section Membership

Role: Special Interest Committee Chairs (Variety within 8 Sections)

Selection Process: Appointed by Section Director in December of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 1-2 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Section Membership

Role: Park Pursuit Committee

Description: This event provides parks, recreation, special recreation, and conservation professionals with the opportunity to engage in a half-day race where team building, healthy competition, and recreation take center stage. The objective is for teams to complete a series of mental and physical challenges in a race to finish the course ahead of the competition. 

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by Committee in September of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and REC Section Membership

Education Volunteer

Role: C&M Summit Board of Regents

Description: This program brings together industry professionals, thought leaders, and innovators for a one-day workshop to explore the latest trends, strategies, and tools in communication and marketing. 

Selection Process: Application-Based

Term Length: TBD

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and C&M Section Member

Role: Diversity Education Institute Board of Regents

Description: This event is designed to provide students and professionals of all experience levels a curriculum that increases DEI awareness and identifies tools to assist in the process of operationalizing DEI at their agency. 

Selection Process: Application-Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen by May of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: 1 day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Diversity Section Member

Role: Facility Management Workshop Board of Regents

Description: This event is a unique program designed to provide practitioners of all experience levels a curriculum that identifies tools to become a better facility manager and enhance operational efficiencies at various facilities. 

Selection Process: Application-Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen by November of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, FM Section Membership, and Past Attendee

Role: HR Symposium Committee

Description: This event presents a unique opportunity for professionals in the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation field to enrich their knowledge and skills in human resources management.  In addition to enriching presentations, the event will feature a Vendor Expo, bustling with businesses and resources tailored for HR professionals seeking to elevate their agency's HR practices.  This event only takes place every three years.

Selection Process: Appointed by Committee

Timeline: This event is on a 3-year rotation and will not be recruiting volunteers until 2027.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, A&F Section / HR Committee Member, and Event Topic Knowledge

Role: Professional Development School Board of Regents

Description: "PDS" provides professionals with the opportunity to experience high-quality education in a small, student-focused atmosphere. This unique program focuses on the skills, knowledge base, and networking needed for personal development and career advancement so as to sustain and better the agency and community they serve.

Selection Process: Application-Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen onsite at the conclusion of the event in November.

Term Length: 3-Years

Approximate Time Commitment: 3-day event plus 7 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Members and PDS Graduate

Role: ProConnect Board of Regents

Description: This program offers a dynamic "give-and-receive" experience, fostering meaningful connections among early-career, mid-career, and advanced professionals across parks and recreation, conservation, and forest preserve industries. Whether its career advancement, supporting others in their growth, or enhancing your networking skills, this program provides a collaborative space to build a support network that empowers the professional journey.

Selection Process: Application-Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen by June of each year.

Term Length: 3-Years

Approximate Time Commitment: 4 events plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member and Past Attendee

Role: Safety Committee Workshop Committee

Description: This event offers a full day of continuing education for professionals that work on their agency's Safety Committee. The day will consist of a keynote, two breakout sessions, a Safety Professionals Panel, and a Safety Vendor Exhibit Hall.  This event only takes place once every three years.

Selection Process: Appointed by Committee

Timeline: This event is on a 3-year rotation and will not be recruiting volunteers until 2028.

Term Length: 1-Year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, A&F Section / Risk Management Committee Membership, and Event Topic Knowledge

Role: Software Symposium Committee

Description: This event provides participants a variety of software vendors exhibiting various park district software needs, including HRIS, Time & Attendance/Work Force Management, Finance, Maintenance, Video Surveillance, Recreation software, and much more. Vendors will conduct 30-minute demonstrations, in which participants can attend at their choice.  Vendors will also be available at designated tables through the day to visit for more information.  This event only takes place every three years.

Selection Process: Appointed by Committee

Timeline: This event is on a 3-year rotation and will not be recruiting volunteers until 2026.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment:1-day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, A&F Section / IT Networking Committee Member, and Event Topic Knowledge

Role: Supervisor Symposium Board of Regents

Description: New and partially-seasoned professionals (and students) will be provided with opportunities to learn skills and emerging trends that can be implemented immediately at their agency.

Selection Process: Application Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen by August of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment:1 day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, REC Section Member, and Past Attendee

Role: TR Leadership Summit Board of Regents

Description: This event offers a full day of continuing education for professionals that work in and around special recreation. 

Selection Process: Application Based

Timeline: Applicants will be chosen by December of each year.

Term Length: 3-Years

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-day event plus 5 planning meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member, TR Section Membership, and Past Attendee

Role: IPRA University Committee

Description: Responsible for guiding the development, implementation, and ongoing management of IPRA’s Learning Management System (LMS). The committee ensures that educational content aligns with the needs of members, maintains high-quality standards, and supports professional growth within the industry. 

Selection Process: Application Based

Term Length: 3-Years

Approximate Time Commitment: 6, 1-hr virtual meetings per year

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

IPRA Committee & Board Volunteer

Role: IPRA Board of Directors

Selection Process & Timeline: Elected by Members in October of each year.

Term Length: 3-years

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 2-3 hours per month, plus meetings

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member for 3 Years, CPRP/E Certified or comparable certification, and past volunteer leadership experience

Role: Joint Conference Committee

Description: JCC provides association involvement and direction for the annual conference program including planning, implementation, and follow-up of specific events and activities designed for association members and attendees.  The annual conference serves as an educational forum for professionals and board members to strengthen the knowledge base for those who attend.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment:1-2 hours per month, more during conference season

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Joint Distinguished Park & Recreation Agency Committee

Description: The goal of this committee is to improve the delivery of recreation services to the residents of Illinois through a voluntary comprehensive evaluation process.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-10 hours per month (depending on time of year)

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Joint Editorial Committee

Description: Publishes a bi-monthly magazine and an annual directory of park and recreation agencies, board members, and professionals.  JEBC ensures that all publications are of professional quality to meet the needs of the IAPD and IPRA memberships.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Joint Exhibits Committee

Description: This committee assists IAPD/IPRA staff with online remote booth sales, move in/out, exhibitor registration, badging, show floor assistance, security, execution of the tradeshow and trouble shooting.  The committee meets twice a year.  Committee works with drayage

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board by December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment: Large time commitment during conference

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Joint Legislative Committee

Description: JLC studies existing and proposed state and national legislation, keeps members districts up-do-date on all matters affecting their respective jurisdictions; and recommends Board action on those matters not presenting possibilities of conflict between member districts.  The JLC acts on behalf of the association’s position before state and federally elected officials and all other appropriate legislative bodies.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Agency Showcase Committee

Description: The Agency Showcase is a spirited competition spotlighting bright ideas exhibited by park, recreation, and conservation agencies. This professionally judged competition recognizes Illinois agencies for their marketing and communication efforts ranging from print to multimedia.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by Committee in December of each year.

Term Length: Varies

Approximate Time Commitment: 2-day event plus planning meetings, 20 hours total

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Finance Committee

Description: Monitors IPRA finances, budget, audit and makes financial recommendations to the IPRA Board of Directors.  

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: 5-years

Approximate Time Commitment: Approximately 6-8 hours total in August/September/October each year

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member in Finance

Role: Governance Committee

Description: The Governance Committee shall ensure that minimum Board Standards are met by each candidate and make recommendation to the Past Chair for who is eligible to be slated on the ballot. 

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in May of each year.

Term Length: 1-year

Approximate Time Commitment: Approx 5 Hours Total

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

Role: Health & Wellness Committee

Description: The Health & Wellness Committee promotes a culture of health, wellness, and mental well-being within the park, recreation, and conservation field. The committee is responsible for administering the Exceptional Workplace Award, hosting quarterly meetings to share best practices and strategies, coordinating wellness activities during the IAPD/IPRA Conference, and providing educational resources focused on mental health.

Selection Process & Timeline: Appointed by IPRA Board in December of each year.

Term Length: 1-year (Rolling)

Approximate Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month, more during conference season

Prerequisites: IPRA Professional Member

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