The spirit of belonging: why you should get involved with your association - NRPA Perspectives

Parks & Recreation, Nov, 2002 by Jonathan W. Korfhage

All of us are in the midst of dynamic change and growth. This phenomenon is reflected in our association, which has become a diverse and broad spectrum of special interests. Park and recreation professionals and citizens have the enormous task of trying to cope with the constant changes and demands in their communities and in our association. Some of the obvious examples of change are in the areas of health and wellness, economics, communications, transportation, lifestyles and the environment.

The only way that we'll ever make major progress in meeting the needs is to work together. This cooperative and surging tide of togetherness will lift us up in our individual boats as we rise to meet the challenges that threaten to swamp us in this changing world. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.

We enter this world alone, and we leave alone. In between, we must accept the challenges and responsibilities of relating to one another. Humans are gregarious creatures--we've found that it's advantageous and feels natural to work and live together. In the 21st century, we've become quite sophisticated at forming communities--geographically and otherwise based--to benefit individuals and groups.

Marcus Foster, a hero of mine and former Oakland school superintendent, often spoke about the three basic needs of all human beings: a positive self-image, a sense of personal potency and a sense of belonging. So, we join. But joining is only an invitation to the dance; it doesn't even get you in the door. Belonging is the dance. Belonging takes work and commitment. You must passionately believe in the group's values and feel the joy and satisfaction of actively participating and belonging.

Sometimes it's beneficial to join groups for the accompanying information, prestige and satisfaction. But to feel that you belong, you must contribute, actively participate and offer leadership. A good example of this is that, in America, many belong to a political party and, of course, are members of a unique country. However, few care enough about their responsibility to vote, much less contribute and lead.

Passionate belonging is the spirit of the dance. Patriotism is an excellent example of this spirit. It's important to identify with one's roots, but it's essential that we are altruistic, unselfish and proud to be a member of the group called humanity. As my father once said in a sermon, "It should not be `live and let live,' but `live and help live.'" We must learn to be active and passionate members of our world.

I hope that you're a passionate member of the National Recreation and Park Association. The roots of NRPA reach deep into what America is and the values-such as quality of life and our great freedoms--that we're so fortunate to enjoy. Our membership association reaches into every corner of our country and affects every American. Parks and recreation touch more lives than anyone realizes. We reach millions of people of all ages and walks of life, from parks, public playgrounds and senior centers to hospitals, schools and our armed forces.

Our association not only provides a central voice for those involved in these services, but also provides support, encouragement, training, information systems and the promotion of parks and recreation nationally. I encourage you to be passionate about the National Recreation and Park Association. Embrace the spirit of belonging! Share with others the values and joys of belonging to this organization, its heritage and the contributions it has made and will make for future generations who care about the quality of life in America.

Jonathan W. Korfhage, CPRP President