WRPA Professional Awards: Emerging Professional Award

The Emerging Professional Award recognizes up and coming future leaders in the field of parks and recreation. Nominees must possess the qualities and talents that will result in their assuming influential roles within their agency and/or WRPA in the future.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum of 3 years of service as a parks and recreation professional
  • Minimum of 3 years as a WRPA member (Agency memberships include staff at all levels)

Evaluation Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate a consistent commitment to the field of parks and recreation, service to their community, and assist in furthering the goals of WRPA. In addition, they have made contributions in at least 3 of the following areas:

  • Demonstrated emerging leadership skills and show initiative
  • Served in influential positions in their community and/or with WRPA
  • Served as a speaker at conferences, webinars, network meetings or other such gatherings to promote parks and recreation
  • Contributed significantly to their community

Nomination Process

  • Complete the online nomination form, where you will be asked to provide the following information:
    • Contact information for nomination
    • Nominee’s name, title, organization, years they have been active in parks and recreation, and if they are a WRPA member
    • A brief overview of the nominee’s contributions to the field of parks and recreation
    • A brief overview of the nominee’s contributions to their community
    • Information on how the nominee has furthered the goals of WRPA
  • Upload the following items to the WRPA office group drive link found in your confirmation email:
    • Nominee’s resume and/or a brief employment/volunteer history and a list of key professional accomplishments. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Emerging.Professional - Resume'
    • Two letters of recommendation. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Emerging.Professional - LOR'

  • In your confirmation email, you will receive a link to upload a maximum of three photos or graphics to the WRPA office for the award category you are applying for. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Emerging.Professional - Photo'

  • Video footage is highly encouraged. In your confirmation email, you will receive a link to upload a maximum of one video to the WRPA office for the award category you are applying for to be no more than 2-min. Be sure to name your files with 'First name.Last Name.Emerging.Professional - Video'
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