Description

Register now for the 6th Annual CARA Showcase on Wednesday, December 3rd! Join us for a day of educational sessions and networking, plus CEUs, lunch, and swag in Brighton!

Schedule:

9:00-9:30: Check In

9:30-9:45: Welcome/Announcements

 9:45-11:00: Motivating Young Staff through Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy, Coleen Wheeler

 11-12:15: Unmasking Unconscious Bias in Parks & Recreation, Amanda Aburto

12:15-1:00:  Lunch from GQ BBQ 

 1:00-2:15: Find Your People, Kyle Parker

 2:15-3:00: Awards, Recognition, Roundtables

 3:00: Happy Hour at Something Brewery

Session Descriptions:

• Motivating Young Staff through Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy, Coleen Wheeler: Overseeing young staff, primarily ages 16-21, can be a struggle. Using three questions, I wanted to improve the staff's sense of belonging, purpose and engagement. 1. Why are we doing this?(Purpose) 2. Are we growing?(Mastery) 3. Do we have any say or control?(Autonomy). Through real-world examples, I strive to give staff meaning to their everyday work and create an environment for growth.
• Unmasking Unconscious Bias in Parks & Recreation, Amanda Aburto: As professionals serving diverse communities, parks and recreation staff play a vital role in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. Yet, unconscious bias — the automatic judgments we make without realizing — can subtly shape our interactions, programs, and policies. This session is designed to help parks and recreation professionals recognize and address these hidden biases. Through real-world examples and reflective discussion, participants will gain practical tools to build more equitable services and stronger community trust.
• Find Your People, Kyle Parker: Do you know everything? If you said yes, then this isn't the session for you. If you are always looking for that go-to person, then this is the right session for you! It is OK to ask for help. You are the driver of your own career, but it is always helpful to have a map and maybe even a copilot. In our personal and professional life, it is ever important to find the people that can help you succeed. Mentors, consultants, subordinate staff, and supervisors all play a role to help you navigate through your career, but connecting with the right trusted people is paramount. Making connections inside and outside your organization will help you grow outside your comfort zone and be prepared for challenges as you advance in your career. You gotta find your people!