Get Involved with GRPA

The state organization is divided into seven, regional geographic districts. Districts are
spearheaded by an elected board. Districts meet 3-4 times annually for both Athletics and Business.

GRPA has four different Networks that members select to be included in based on their area of interests. Networks are charged with developing educational opportunities for their membership base throughout the year.

• Athletics/Aquatics – Intended for members who have an interest in promoting high standards in athletic and aquatic programming, and in providing training opportunities and resources pertaining to athletics and aquatics.
• Recreation Programming – Intended for members who have a common interest in
promoting high standards in a variety of programming areas including cultural affairs,
therapeutic recreation, outdoor recreation, senior adult recreation, camps, special events, etc. and in providing quality training opportunities pertaining to all facets of programming.
• Parks Maintenance and Operations – Intended for members who have an interest in facility and grounds maintenance/operation, turf management, resource management, and in providing quality training opportunities pertaining to park maintenance and operations.
• Administration and Leadership – Intended for members who have an interest in agency or facility management, policies and procedures, budget preparation and management, improving communication between professionals and students/young professionals, bringing minority members together to enhance cultural awareness, addressing the diverse needs of members, and providing growth opportunities.

GRPA has standing committees that do the “work” of the organization. Members are appointed by District Commissioners or Network Chairs. Each committee is made up of a Chair, appointed by the association President; a Chair-Elect, appointed by the association President Elect, one
representative from each District appointed by the District Commissioner and three
representatives from each of the four Networks appointed by the Network Chairs. The President can also appoint up to three committee members on each committee.

**Exception
Leisure Careers Foundation (appoints their own members) and The Athletic Committee is comprised of a Chair and Chair-Elect voted on by each District and an At-Large member from each District appointed by the Athletic Chair.

Current Committees:

• Annual Conference – Shall coordinate, implement, and evaluate the Annual Conference.
Members will be asked to join sub-committees to coordinate things such as moderators
of sessions, registration desk scheduling, banquet decorating, conference bag stuffing,
assistance with networking events, etc.
• Athletics – Shall organize and conduct athletic events on a statewide recreational level
for GRPA; shall standardize athletic programs throughout the state with reference to type
of activities and qualifications for participation.
• Awards – Shall determine the recipients of state and network awards in categories set by the Board of Trustees. Sub-committees may be formed to evaluate award criteria and all members are expected to judge awards. Members missing more than two meetings may not judge awards.
• Documents – Shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Association’s Charter and
by-Laws. Shall periodically review by-laws and recommend changes as needed. This is
completed for Districts by the Committee representatives for each District as well as the Network representatives for each Network. The committee shall keep the Manual of Procedures current and assure that it properly services the membership; keeps all other documents of the Association updated.
• Editorial Board – Shall obtain information, edit, and prepare the quarterly issues of the
Association’s professional magazine, Recreation & Parks in Georgia. Members may be asked to write articles and/or find authors to do so.
• Education and Outreach – Shall be responsible for implementing statewide professional development except the Annual Conference including Leadership GRPA and the Women’s Leadership Summit. Sub-committees will be formed to coordinate each program. The committee shall be responsible for implementing an annual mentor/mentee program including review of applications and the pairing of individuals. District representatives will be tasked with providing education growth opportunities within their district meetings.
• Membership – Shall establish requirements, investigate, and approve all applications for membership, and shall study and appraise membership services of the Association. The committee shall promote memberships in all public and private recreation and park or related agencies in the state as well as recruit new members, vendors, and agencies.
• Public Policy – Shall be responsible for the development and promotion of the
Association’s annual legislative/policy action program.

Members of the various committees are responsible for the flow of information between their said committee and the District or Network they represent. During District and Network meetings, representatives are to report on the actions of their respective committees to ensure that flow of information.

While serving on the committee, representatives are the “voice” for who they represent. For example, if someone is on the Annual Conference Committee as the District 5 representative, he/she is responsible
for making decisions and giving feedback that best represents what the members of District 5 would want.

Committee members are expected to attend the three meetings held in conjunction with the Board of Trustees meeting in person. If they are not able to attend, they must send a sub in their place.

Members will be expected to serve on sub-committees that may require work outside of regular meetings.