CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 6

• Session 6A
  
• Session 6B
• Session 6C
• Session 6D
• Session 6E

Beyond Board: Creating Playful Public Engagement Experiences

Description: 

Successful public projects begin with people, but in today's busy, hybrid world, it can be hard to break through the noise and get the community's attention when you need their input. Learn how to increase public involvement through innovative techniques that go beyond design boards, sticky notes, colored dots, and online surveys. Discover how to collect meaningful feedback to get that informs the project while sparking fun and building community through play. This interactive session provides a post-pandemic overview of the current public engagement landscape to help agencies determine how to right-size their engagement efforts. From major capital investments to program funding assessments, effective public engagement promotes sustainable decision-making to ensure your project will have a lasting, positive impact. Become a public engagement champion in the parks and recreation way!

Presented by: 

Melody Burton, Senior Communications Specialist, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services  

Biography: Melody Burton has led communication, marketing and public engagement efforts to connect communities for nearly 20 years. Before joining Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 2019, Melody worked in the non-profit and education fields in Illinois and Oregon. She holds a professional certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government from the Davenport Institute for Public Policy at Pepperdine University. Melody is committed to creating strategic, inclusive and fun engagement opportunities that invite everyone to take part in building stronger communities together.

Learning Objectives

1. Determine appropriate levels of engagement by matching process to purpose with an inclusive and equitable approach.
   
2. Design creative engagement activities that get people talking and improve public understanding of complex projects.
   
3. Identify key pillars of successful public engagement to create a plan or revise consultant-led engagement efforts.

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Understanding Social Styles in a Changing Workplace

Description: 

We will be analyzing the four social styles of communication: Expressive, Driver, Amiable, and Analytical as explained in “People Styles at Work and Beyond.” In this session, we will delve into each style to get a better understanding of how we function in the workplace as individuals and with others. We will provide the materials needed to determine your own personal style and the needs, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses that come with each of them. Learn how to flex your style toward others, how to strengthen relationships utilizing each person's style, backup styles (easily flex into a similar style), and working in leadership with different styles.

Presented by: 

Ashley Gain, Recreation and Events Assistant, City of Auburn 

Biography: Ashley is a graduate of Western Washington University and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a young professional and previous WRPA speaker with training in social styles.

Abigail Wenick, Special Events Assistant, City of Federal Way

Biography: In 2024, Abbie Wenick started as a Special Events Assistant at the City of Federal Way after working for the City of Kirkland for 2 years as a Recreation Program Assistant. This will be her 3^rd year attending the WRPA conference and first time as a speaker. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2021 with a BA in Recreation Management and Leadership and has a passion for getting everyone out into their community and recreating. 

Keisha Taylor, Recreation Coordinator (teens), City of Auburn

Biography: 12 years exp. in the field, graduate from the University of North Carolina, WRPA board of directors, leads WRPA programmers network, Chair-Elect for City of Auburn DEI board and Inclusive Auburn.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn what your social style is and how to make the most of your gifts.
   
2. Discover the Needs, Preferences, and Weaknesses of each style.
   
3. Gain insight into working with opposite styles: Pros and Cons.

Creating Inclusive Recreation: A Roadmap to Success

Description: 

Since The Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1991 parks departments have been working to provide inclusion services in general recreation with varying levels of success. Establishing a sound inclusion process can seem difficult if you don't have the training or experience. If proactive measures are put in place for programs and staff all kids benefit from participating together. The challenge for many is establishing what supports are needed. Set up for an inclusive environment can be intimidating for some leaving the question Where do I start? We have found that starting off with a good intake interview is the number one tool you will use for successful inclusion. Getting to know who you are serving before they step foot into that first class will establish a solid foundation. This seminar-style presentation will provide you with concrete action steps to take to create your own plan. This session will cover the impact of a strong intake process, how to create and implement an inclusion plan, Dos and don'ts of inclusion, barriers to successful inclusion and real life examples during the group and table discussions.

Presented by: 

Mary Boyle, Community Services Coordinator, City of Bellevue  

Biography: Mary Boyle has a BA in psychology and specializes in behavior modification techniques. She is the inclusion coordinator for the parks recreation division focusing on training general recreation staff on inclusion services for programs and provides support to staff for program modifications.  She is responsible for the adaptive recreation programs held at the Highland Community Center serving adults and youth with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Kim Indurkar, Community Services Supervisor, City of Bellevue

Biography: Kim Indurkar has 45 years of experience working in the field of disabilities in residential, institutional, educational, and recreation settings. Kim currently manages Bellevue Parks & Community Services' Highland Community Center. In addition she serves on the city's Americans with Disabilities Act Core Team. In this capacity, Kim works with the city's ADA and Title VI Civil Rights Administrator to ensure access for people with disabilities in programs and facilities.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common barriers to successful inclusion and learn how to address them.
   
2. Develop the skills to conduct effective participant interviews to gather information about participants' need and abilities.
   
3. Discuss strategies for creating and implementing an effective inclusion plan for recreation programs.

Facing Your Events: The Calm Before the Storm

Description: 

Explore the crucial role of Maintenance and Operations Staff as the linchpins of event success. Through discussions, role plays, and scenarios, participants will learn to turn challenges into opportunities and boost customer satisfaction, emerging as empowered, proactive ambassadors for every event.

Change in the Forecast: Engaging Positively in Adversity
Challenges are part of the job. This module teaches staff how to handle adversity with positivity, including staying calm under pressure, problem-solving quickly, and maintaining a welcoming environment in tough situations.

Whether or Not: Beyond Expectation Each interaction is a chance to make a lasting impact. We'll cover strategies to surpass expectations and create memorable encounters, focusing on understanding and meeting guest needs through active listening.

Here's Your Forecast: The Key to Success Effective communication is vital for event success. This segment provides tools for internal and external communication, improving clarity in briefings and coordination with event organizers for smoother operations.

Calm before the Storm: From Chaos to Cohesion Good organization is key to a seamless event. Participants will engage in exercises to streamline processes, manage resources efficiently, and align departmental efforts.

Here Comes the Sun: Empathy and Professionalism More than completing tasks, being the face of an event means connecting with people. This part of the course focuses on balancing empathy and professionalism to build trust and foster loyal relationships.

Presented by: 

Chuck Cuzzetto, PR & Communication Coordinator  

Biography: Chuck Cuzzetto brings decades of expertise in project management and operations leadership, particularly in settings that require precise coordination and public engagement. His strategic oversight has successfully delivered numerous community-centric projects, ensuring that events not only meet but exceed stakeholder expectations. An advocate for team development, Chuck emphasizes the importance of continual learning and professional growth, creating an environment where both staff and guests feel valued and respected.

Learning Objectives

1. Adversity Mastery:  Stay composed in challenges, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for attendees by developing problem-solving skills during event operations.
2. Elevate Customer: Satisfaction  Exceed expectations through active listening, leaving a positive impression on guests, enhancing overall satisfaction levels.
   
3. Communication and Organization:  Improve communication within the team and with event organizers; streamline processes for a well-organized, efficient event.

Partnership with PAL - Law Enforcement Collaborations

Description: 

Join us to learn about the successful partnership between the City of Vancouver and the Police Activities League (PAL) of SW Washington and how you can partner with local law enforcement to increase program capacity and build trust between youth and law enforcement.

Presented by: 

Jesse Jimenez, Executive Director, Police Activities League of SW Washington 
Law Enforcement Engagement Specialist

Biography: Jesse has been involved in community outreach and engagement for local law enforcement agencies for over 8 years. During that time, he has held roles as a volunteer, recreation specialist, program coordinator, and now serves as the Executive Director of the Police Activities League of SW Washington which works with 8 Law Enforcement Agencies to promote positive relationships between youth and law enforcement in Clark County.

Stacey Allington, Recreation Coordinator, Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

Biography: 

Stacey Allington holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Washington State University, Vancouver and has proudly worked for Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services since 1997. Her passion for working with parks and recreation shows as she is always looking for ways to innovate, change and elevate the programs she is involved in including seeking out community partnerships. Starting as a temporary/seasonal employee then a Recreation Specialist and now a Recreation Coordinator, has given her the working knowledge that it takes to better support her team to plan, program, and implement a variety of programs for youth, teens, and adults. 

Learning Objectives

1. Understand what a PAL chapter is and how they can support the work you are doing.
2. Learn how you can start a PAL chapter in your community.
3. Learn the benefits of engaging law enforcement in your programming. 

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