Author: jennifer gander

volunteer opportunities
We Need You!

The involvement of every NJRPA member’s time and talent is vital to
continuing the programs and services of the Association.

You have the opportunity to work with a number of different committees, sections, and districts, depending on your interests. The Board of Trustees and Association leadership urge you to reach out and volunteer.
It’s a great way to expand your professional network, learn more about the association, and to have fun.
An association is as good as the members make it! Remember you are NJRPA!

NJRPA committees open for member participation:

Committee	Description	Contact
Annual Conference	Plan educational sessions, design promotional materials, brochures and press releases, recruit delegates and exhibitors, and conduct social events. Meets 4 times annually. / Subcommittees: Socials, Programs, Volunteers, Exhibit Hall	Chair, Kathleen Avitt / kavitt@njrpa.org
Awards	Review nominations for NJRPA awards, on-site inspections for design nominees, make award presentations at the Annual Conference and promote worthy nominations. Meets 3-4 times annually.	Chair, David Guida / dguidajr@cityofsummit.org
Constitution & By Laws	Review and implement changes to NJRPA’s Constitution & By Laws to coincide with the Association’s adopted work plan. Meets as needed.	Chair, Dawn Thompson / dthompson@neptunetownship.org
Education & Professional Development	Makes recommendations for NJRPA sponsored workshops, conferences, seminars and technical assistance programs. Meets as needed.	Chair, Dina Trunzo / dinatrunzo@gmail.com
Membership & Marketing	Assist in the identification of new member contacts, conduct recruitment campaigns, direct contact with members during renewal periods. Plan and execute an ongoing public visibility program for NJRPA and for the profession. Meets as needed.	Co-Chair, Patty Tumminello / patty@benshaffer.com / Co-Chair, Katie Frey / kfrey@ridgewoodnj.net
Public Affairs	Review legislation pertinent to the field currently before the state legislature and the US Congress, formulate the NJRPA position on such legislation and contact legislators and affiliate agencies to see outcomes favorable to NJRPA. Meets six times annually.	Co-Chair, Bill Foelsch / bfoelsch@morristwp.com / Co-Chair, Denise Lanza / dlanza@morrisparks.net / Co-Chair, James Truncer / jjtruncer@monmouthcountyparks.com
Resource Development	Plan, promote and implement projects to help finance the operation of NJRPA programs and services, and projects to develop future leaders of NJRPA. Meets as needed. / Subcommittees: Public Awareness Taskforce, Golf, Mentorship, Sponsorship, Apparel and Volunteers.	Chair, Chris Zimmerman / czimmerman@montgomerynj.gov
Scholarship	Assist in presenting monetary awards to students who show promise in the recreation and parks profession. Meets as needed.	Chair, Don Bogardus / dbogardus@westfieldnj.gov

Interested in volunteering?
Contact the NJRPA Office at 609-356-0480 or contact the chair by email.

volunteer opportunities
Sections

The NJRPA Districts and Sections are listed below. If you are interested in enrolling in a section please contact NJRPA at 609-356-0480. If you would like to become involved in your
District or Section please contact the Chair listed. Remember, you are NJRPA!

Section	Description	Chair
Aquatics	This section aims to foster and maintain high standards of professional qualifications and ethics; to stimulate interest and awareness of the general public of the need for aquatic services; to provide educational opportunities; to serve as the clearinghouse of information on Aquatics to the membership; and to work on behalf of legislation for the betterment of aquatic management in New Jersey.	Chair, Alex Sperling / sperlinga@mail.montclair.edu
Community	This section aims to foster and maintain high standards of professional qualifications and ethics, as well as stimulate the interest and awareness of the general public of the need for community recreation and park services. The society also serves as an affiliate association to the New Jersey League of Municipalities.	Chair, Alexis Voli / avoli@morristwp.com
Commercial	The Commercial Section unites members of companies, firms, or organizations selling parks and recreation products and services. Commercial members are also members of NJRPA districts and sections, and serve on association committees and boards. Members are involved in exhibiting at the trade show at NJRPA’s annual conference, offering educational workshops, and sponsoring association events.	Chair, Patty Tumminello / patty@benshaffer.com
Disabled & Diverse	This section unites all members concerned with park and recreation issues related to individuals with disabilities. They share knowledge and experience related to legislation and regulations, standards, research, as well as sharing design and program trends with recreation professionals and the general public. This section also liaises with the New Jersey Commission on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities.	Chair, David Guida / dguidajr@cityofsummit.org
Multicultural Affairs	This section unites all members concerned with multicultural and diversity related issues in recreation and parks. They aim to stimulate and perpetuate sensitivity in all professionals and participants to ensure the accurate reflection of the history and culture of all people in recreation programs.	Chair, Lucinda McLaughlin / lmclaughlin@ncnj.org
Park Resource	The Park Resource Section unites recreation and park personnel interested in the issues of park maintenance and operational planning, safety and risk management, and natural landscape design and maintenance. This NJRPA section offers one day workshops on park related issues.	Chair, Frank Masini / Francisco.masini@co.monmouth.nj.us
Active Adults	The Active Adults Section unites recreation and park personnel interested in Active Adult services, providing educational opportunities, serving as a clearinghouse of information and working on legislation for the betterment of New Jersey.	Co-Chair, Mary Beth Wheeler / mwheeler@piscatawaynj.org / Co-Chair, Anahita Feltz / afeltz01@gmail.com

Interested in volunteering? Contact the NJRPA Office at 609-356-0480 or contact the chair by email.