WRPA 2021 Conference Breakout Session Block 2

• Session 2A
• Session 2B
• Session 2C

Practical Planning with Equity at the Center

Description:

Not sure how to apply an equity lens to your comprehensive plan? Interested in making data-driven decisions on capital investments but don’t know where to start? Need support for prioritizing maintenance beyond the squeaky wheel? Join the cities of Seattle, Olympia, and Lynnwood on their collective journey to explore and evaluate park access, level of service, investment strategies, using GIS and BIG Data, and asset management - all done with equity at the center. Go behind the curtain with real examples and practical ways to enhance your agency’s planning efforts, storytelling, and policymaking to build a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming park system.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to apply an equity lens to key areas of park planning and operation management.
• Attendees will be able to identify problem statements and questions to apply to policy efforts to ensure equitable approaches.
• Attendees will understand how the level of service is being redefined and methods for analyzing park access.

Presented by: 

Shanyanika McElroy, Policy and Organizational Performance Advisor, Seattle Parks & Recreation

Shanyanika McElroy believes that today's public servants have a responsibility to undo the harm caused by a legacy of oppressive government policies and practices. She has enjoyed a 20-year career in the Parks and Recreation field with a focus removing barriers that prevent marginalized community members' access to recreation experiences. Shanyanika currently serves at Seattle Parks and Recreation as a Policy and Organizational Performance Advisor and on the Board of Directors for Washington Recreation and Parks Association.

Sarah Olson, MPA, Deputy Director, Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Sarah Olson serves as Deputy Director of Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts in Washington State. As Deputy, she oversees long-range planning, capital development, and healthy communities programming. Under her leadership, Lynnwood was selected as a 10-minute walk grant recipient
and is committed to inclusive community engagement and equitable park access and park planning.

Paul Simmons, Director, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation

Paul Simmons is the Director of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation and serves as President of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association. He is committed to listening and learning from others and more importantly leading in a way that acknowledges and removes historical and societal barriers.
Paul is committed to actions that will lead to a more equitable and inclusive future.

Programming by the Numbers - Are You Serving Your Community Equitably? 

Description:

Are you serving communities equitably? How do know if low-income families are participating in your programs? Do your participants reflect your community? I hope to inspire everyone to embrace data analysis so that you can make thoughtful equitable investments in your communities.
Let’s talk numbers!! Discover how to collect useful data and learn techniques for making sense of it all. Get inspired to present your data to influence and educate decision-makers when necessary to re-think your program delivery model so you can better serve low-income and BIPOC communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Data - How to collect useful data. What are NRPA's Facility Market Reports and why are they useful. What other useful sources of data are. How to organize and store your data.
• Calculations - We will learn some basic but useful calculations like calculating Registrations as a Percent of Population (registrations per 100 capita).
• Analysis and Policy - Some ideas for analyzing and presenting data so that you can influence decision-makers.

Presented by: 

Moshe Hecht, MPA, Sr. Recreation Program Coordinator, Seattle Parks, and Recreation

Moshe Hecht is a Sr. Recreation Program Coordinator at Seattle Parks and Recreation where he has been analyzing Seattle Parks and Recreations Program outcomes for over 10 years. His analysis has led to several program improvements to address inequities in the department's program delivery model. Several years ago he started using Business Intelligence software (Tableau) to bring his analysis to the next level.

The Transformational Leader: Be Courageous. Be Authentic. Be Ready. 

Description:

Today's emerging workforce is demanding authentic experiences from their employers. Leaders who are transparent, relatable and real demonstrate a unique, competitive advantage. Dethorn's energizing virtual breakout session will share how to meaningfully connect with diverse teams and lead virtually during times of decreased in-person interaction.
Discover how to develop a personal action plan that will enhance your leadership communication, forge positive relationships and increase acceptance regarding change initiatives and engagement levels. Participants will leave the session informed and energized to become transformational leaders with greater self-awareness.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to improve employee morale, engagement, and overall performance by making a subtle shift in your leadership style.
• Learn how to develop a personal communication action plan.
• Learning how to create an environment where teams can candidly communicate with their leaders so they feel appreciated, heard, understood, and included.

Presented by: 

Dethorn Young, Professional Leadership Speaker & Consultant, Dethorn Young Enterprise

A creative mastermind, Dethorn has energized and transformed countless leaders and organizations through his insightful, actionable, and pioneering approach to business transformation and leadership development. Howard University-alumnus, Dethorn, draws from his seven years of corporate experience as a successful Retail Banking Assistant Vice President. He led diverse teams into prolonged periods of growth and innovation. Dethorn has spent the last 13 years developing leaders, disrupting industries, and driving change across various sectors. With Dethorn's understanding of multiple sectors, Dethorn can help your organization and leadership team navigate complexity, prepare for uncertainty and the workforce's future.

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