The National Recreation Framework - RECREATION MATTERS??
Observations from an input session on the National Recreation Framework paper.
The document is very truthful but not very motivating, could even be thought to be dull.
Trying to get representative thoughts and opinions in a "framework" document is a monumental challenge for any writer, never mind a committee of writers.
Out with the old in with the new!! For me leisure has always been a cornerstone for recreation now it appears that the concept of leisure doesn't matter.... it is just assumed to be part of the "new" definition.
What we forget is that there are many new people at the tables for policy and program decisions. Stepping back and revisiting history might be a good investment of a page or two in the doc. Trumpeting our accomplishments along with where we have fallen short might also be helpful.
Brian Johnson did a great job of facilitating 70+ folks in Edmonton recently. A good blend of younger professionals, old wise ones, parks people, active living & sport folks with a touch of urban & rural. Clearly there was no consensus but that wasn't the goal. Lots of input and tons of homework for a writing team. (over twenty pages of recorded comments plus everyone handed in personal feedback sheets)
Tim Burton did a masterful job of reminding participants why recreation matters.
...BUT
It might be time for the "recreation sector" to ask itself the questions others are asking.
1. Why is recreation at the table?
2. Why does recreation matter?
3. What has recreation done for us? (millennials might say, nothing, just created problems)
Millennials might see "recreation" as a boomer thing.
4. Has recreation past its "best before date"?
The document that goes to the national event in Ontario has to be exciting, motivating and a call to action. In my mind it doesn't have to be short. It has to answer the questions; where have we been, where are we now and where are we going. It is not a strategic plan but it has to say we need one. It shouldn't say recreation has all the answers but it has to say we need a collective agenda with sport and active living. The paper should address the issue of roles and maybe not so gently illustrate to Provincial Ministers that the Federal Government has been calling the shots in their recreation jurisdiction for years. Provincial Ministers have to start doing the tough decision making and quit meeting for coffee at taxpayers expense.
The paper has to focus on how recreation does business......recreation uses a community development approach.
Can we learn anything from this recent article?
Legos, Erector Sets, Collaboration and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
The document is very truthful but not very motivating, could even be thought to be dull.
Trying to get representative thoughts and opinions in a "framework" document is a monumental challenge for any writer, never mind a committee of writers.
Out with the old in with the new!! For me leisure has always been a cornerstone for recreation now it appears that the concept of leisure doesn't matter.... it is just assumed to be part of the "new" definition.
What we forget is that there are many new people at the tables for policy and program decisions. Stepping back and revisiting history might be a good investment of a page or two in the doc. Trumpeting our accomplishments along with where we have fallen short might also be helpful.
Brian Johnson did a great job of facilitating 70+ folks in Edmonton recently. A good blend of younger professionals, old wise ones, parks people, active living & sport folks with a touch of urban & rural. Clearly there was no consensus but that wasn't the goal. Lots of input and tons of homework for a writing team. (over twenty pages of recorded comments plus everyone handed in personal feedback sheets)
Tim Burton did a masterful job of reminding participants why recreation matters.
...BUT
It might be time for the "recreation sector" to ask itself the questions others are asking.
1. Why is recreation at the table?
2. Why does recreation matter?
3. What has recreation done for us? (millennials might say, nothing, just created problems)
Millennials might see "recreation" as a boomer thing.
4. Has recreation past its "best before date"?
The document that goes to the national event in Ontario has to be exciting, motivating and a call to action. In my mind it doesn't have to be short. It has to answer the questions; where have we been, where are we now and where are we going. It is not a strategic plan but it has to say we need one. It shouldn't say recreation has all the answers but it has to say we need a collective agenda with sport and active living. The paper should address the issue of roles and maybe not so gently illustrate to Provincial Ministers that the Federal Government has been calling the shots in their recreation jurisdiction for years. Provincial Ministers have to start doing the tough decision making and quit meeting for coffee at taxpayers expense.
The paper has to focus on how recreation does business......recreation uses a community development approach.
My fear is that if we don't get it right this time, there
may not be a next time. Ask/Answer the tough questions!
Where are the trumpeters of the recreation stories in Canada?
Can we learn anything from this recent article?
Legos, Erector Sets, Collaboration and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
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