Did You Know? Thank you for coming! Overview of the program and where it is going Mini Tool Kit How to write meaningful statements (groups)

What is Did You Know? The Did You Know Program began in 2012 in Missouri as a way to advocate the Parks and Recreation Profession. Outside perceptions tend to show Parks and Recreation Agencies to not be essential government services, and this program has helped to dispel that notion. Parks and Recreation Agencies help to increase economic activity, alleviate social issues, ensure environmental sustainability, foster community development and address health and wellness which are all pivotal roles of parks and recreation in the betterment of the community. We need to get this information out to our residents, visitors and decision makers!

Why Did it Start? Joe Biden – Regarding the Stimulus Bill What is legal, what is authorized, may not be a good thing to do. So guys, no swimming pools, no tennis courts, no golf courses, no Frisbee parks, It’s got to pass the smell test folks. Because of the rules, the president and I can’t stop you from doing some things. But I’ll show up in your city and say, ‘This is a stupid idea.’ ONE OF PARKS AND RECREATION’S CHALLENGES? A disconnect between citizens and community leaders perceptions of the value of parks & recreation.

What is the Purpose? Designed to educate citizens, elected officials and practitioners about the economic, environmental, health and educational benefits of parks and recreation. Nurture citizen advocacy for parks and recreation programs, services and Initiatives at the local, state and national level.

How will it Help? We should not be pleading our case. It should be our citizens, everyone that benefits from Parks and Recreation (and it’s everyone) who should be making the case. While our citizens are aware of what they love about Parks and Recreation they need solid, credible, relevant data in order to believe it, and then speak up when it makes a difference. Our citizens are our “friends”

Who has already purchased the MN DYK? Austin Becker Brooklyn Park Burnsville Carver County Eagan Eden Prairie Edina Elk River Faribault Farmington Fridley Hutchinson Inver Grove Heights LeSueur Minnetonka New Brighton Owatonna Prior Lake Rochester Rogers Saint Louis Park Shakopee South Saint Paul Where is DYK in MN? 24 Agencies!!! Not on the list? Sign up for more information before you leave!

Where is DYK Nationwide? 5 States: Missouri Kansas Oklahoma Alaska Minnesota 1 County: Lake County, Indiana 1 University Murray State University (KY) States currently interested: Texas Georgia Pennsylvania California Cities currently interested: City of Las Vegas

Where is DYK Going? MO: Presenting regional “re- boots” Adding a video component to the toolbox Updating the workbook Adding samples Updating facts MN: Finalizing “Mini-toolkit” Adding samples Building the fact database Assisting all the agencies with ideas, consistency, training, etc.

Mini Tool Kit Cost is $150/agency (1X) Hosted on MRPA website Password protected for those that have bought the program Available early Nov Facts and samples needed Fact & Statement Database Examples – Kick off Meeting – Intro Letter to Staff – Presentation – Town Hall Give-a-ways – Signs – Business cards – Brochure inserts – Press releases

Fact & Statement Database

Samples – Staff Items

Samples – Presentations & Give-a-ways

Samples – Signs & Business Cards

Samples - Brochures

Samples Cont. Master Plans Newsletters

Writing Statements The Process 1.Identify the best Priority Issue 2. List reasons for Cause or Change 3. Choose the best Alternatives

Writing Statements The Process 4. Find a Fact 5. Break it down 6. Apply Local data 7. Why does it Matter? What? So What? Now What?

Writing Statements The Process 8. Put it all Together 9. Make it Shorter-Three sentences or less 10. Make it Even Shorter 11. Do it Again and Again and Again

Facts are Everywhere Newspaper Magazine Books Quotes TV Radio Internet Qualitative or quantitative data can be used

Group Activity #1 Divide into Groups Each Group gets 3 facts Use the writing process to make a statement for each fact (15 Minutes)

Group Activity #2 Rotate Groups Make the statements SHORTER! (10 Minutes) Example: According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, loss of muscle, also known as Sarcopenia, occurs as a result of aging. After age 35 you will lose between % of your muscle mass annually, unless you engage in regular physical fitness activity to prevent it. The provides a full fitness center, as well as personal training and group fitness classes that feature resistance training that focuses on all major muscle groups. Join the today and let one of our professional and qualified fitness staff members guide you on your path to maintaining a healthy active lifestyle.

LET’S SHARE!!! All the statements will be compiled and ed to each participant. They will also be added to the database!

OTHER IDEAS ON HOW TO USE DYK???

Did You Know? Overview of the program and where it is going Mini Tool Kit How to write meaningful statements (groups)

Questions? Again, Not on the list? Sign up for more information before you leave!