Kindess Matters

KINDNESS MATTERS

By: Patrick Hammer, Director of Parks & Recreation, Town of Erie and Farrell Buller, Leadership Coach & Financial Sustainability Consultant, 110%

There is a really amazing quote that has been floating around for a while that gently nudges us to embrace a practice or stance of kindness. Maybe you have seen it or possibly even used it over the last few years. “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This is a quote, simple in delivery yet profound in meaning. The quote also provides a subtle hint of duality. You could read this as reminder to act kindly towards others, and you could flip the emphasis in the wording to remind others to be kind to you. As stated by Albert Schweitzer, “Constant kindness can accomplish as much as the sun making ice melt. Kindness causes misunderstandings, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”(1) Now, ask yourself what the quote would imply if it was completely rephrased to read “In a world where I can be anything, I will be kind to myself?” The use of “I” shifts the ownership inward and turns the statement into a proclamation. Often our first instinct is to position kindness towards another and shortchange the importance of being kind to ourselves. We are not downplaying the importance of outward kindness. If fact, we should all step up our game as much as possible. However, we are often seeing our professional peers not creating a regiment of being kind to themselves. As you begin the year, we encourage you to begin to include habits daily that demonstrate kindness towards yourself. While there are a myriad of opportunities, perhaps one that is simple in execution and profound in impact is going outside for a walk.(2) We are asking you to take a challenge of a 10-minute rejuvenation walk every day. Additionally, commit to completing this activity by yourself and setting the intention of practicing kindness. We’d love to hear how this impacts your life over the next 30, 90, 180 days. Obviously, we won’t know what you will see, hear, smell or feel…but you will, and we are excited for you to find out!

Farrell Buller (left) and Patrick Hammer (right)

Resources: (1) Why Kindness Is So Important - Lisa Shamblen, LLC (2) Google, Benefits of Walking outdoors.

Colorado Byline Magazine Connects CPRA Professionals and Suppliers

To see previous Byline issues, scan the QR code at right or visit www.cpra-web.org/page/ Publications

Spring Issue Topics:

• Industry Trends - playgrounds, technology, facilities, turf and grounds, recreation programs • Going Green Deadline: March 31, 2022 Ask about special section sponsorships and advertising!

Park and Recreation Supplier Partners:

Interested in reaching CPRA members? Contact Todd Pernsteiner to learn about value-added packages at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

Highlight Your Agency!

SHARE YOUR STORY IN A 2022 ISSUE OF CPRA’S COLORADO BYLINE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

32

SPRING 2021

SPRING 2021

PRESENTED BY CHURCHICH RECREATION

PARKS professionals who go aboveand-beyond the call of duty

ALSO INSIDE: • 2020 CPRA MEMBER AWARD WINNERS • THORTON PARTNERS WITH LOCAL GIRL SCOUT TROUP • 6 TIPS FOR RECRUITING & RETAINING VOLUNTEERS • ADAMS COUNTY STREET OUTREACH NETWORK • MILE HIGH YOUTH CORPS OFFERS SOLUTIONS

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

Tips for Creating Fitness & Recreation Centers in Colorado 6

cpra-web.org | Winter 2020

+• MEET YOUR CPRA BOARD • MEAN(INGFUL) TWEETS: PUBLIC LANDS EDITION • NIGHT OF THE STARS GIVES COLORADO YOUTH A CHANCE TO SHOWCASE TALENTS • HOW PARKS AND RECREATION PROFESSIONALS CAN BE A CHAMPION FOR COLORADO’S OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIP

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

cpra-web.org | Summer 2020

CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITIES VIRTUALLY Stream Teams LIVE

• CPRA CELEBRATES STATE PROCLAMATIONS • PARKS AND RECREATION AS COMMUNITY • ENGAGING AND ENTERTAINING THE PUBLIC DURING COVID TIMES • A MAN WITH A PLAN • GRANTS ARE GREAT • CALL OF THE WILD

CPRA Members:

It’s time to plan ahead for the coming 2022 editions of our Colorado Byline magazine and we want to feature YOU. We have opportunities to get featured in Byline and add being published in your state professional magazine to your resume! For reference, CPRA members can view past issues of Byline on www.cpra-web.org.

Have something to share? There are multiple ways you to do so:

1. Get Included in the NEW Keeping Up Section –Keeping Up is a regular feature to highlight CPRA agency and member updates. This is a great place to submit articles about a special event, project, staff update, or retirement. Articles can be as short as one sentence or up to 300 words and can include a photo.

2. Submit Feature Articles –

We welcome article submissions from CPRA agencies about topics relevant to our mission. Articles should be between 250-500 words and include 3-4 high-resolution photos.

3. Send Article Leads/Ideas –

If you don’t have the bandwidth to submit an article but have an idea about an article that would fit one of our issue topics, please share it with us! Send us a brief explanation of the article and who to contact. We will do the leg-work to research and write the article for you.

How to submit:

Send your article or article topic, photos, and any other information to Jillian Strogis at jillians@cpra-web.org. If you have questions, call (720) 588-0943.

Interested in promoting your business?

Byline magazine, online, email and event sponsorships and advertising are available. Contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111 to discuss exposure opportunities.

2022 Editorial Themes

Spring Issue —

Main theme: Industry Trends Secondary theme: Going Green Content deadline: April 5, 2022

• New Programs, Products, Services & Idea Exchange • Ideas for Concessions, Park Maintenance & Athletics • Going Green – Energy Savings, Green Construction,

Landscaping • Solar Opportunities and Electric Vehicle Charging • Spring Parks Workshop follow-up

Summer Issue —

Main theme: Leadership Development Secondary themes: Staffing; Continuing Education

Content deadline: July 8, 2022

• Annual Conference Preview • Leadership Development and Mentorship Programs • Starting a New/Second Career in Parks & Recreation • Members to Watch – Up-and-Coming Students and

New Professionals • Growing Your Career - Continuing Education

Opportunities • Views from a Park Bench – Advice from Seasoned and

Retired Professionals • Creative Ways to Entice and Keep Employees

Fall Issue —

Main theme: Facility Design & Usage Secondary theme: Alternative Revenue Streams Content deadline: September 15, 2022

• Post-COVID Design Trends & Products • Inclusive & Accessible Recreation & Parks • Unique Uses of Existing Facilities • Modified & Adapted Spaces • Alternative Revenue Streams – Grants, Memorials,

Sponsorship, Bequests, Merchandise