Growing Recreation Together!
2019 ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop / ATRA Symposium
October 24-26, 2019
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The following online survey form will act as the tool for submission of presentations to the Program Committee for the 2019 ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop / ATRA Symposium.
This year will see the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) and the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) join together for the hosting of the 2019 ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop & 2019 ATRA Symposium. This Conference / Symposium will attract upwards of 600 delegates over 3 days of education, networking and connecting.
ARPA is a charitable not-for-profit organization founded in 1961, committed to building healthier and happier communities and citizens by developing and promoting recreation and parks.
ATRA is an association founded in September 1985, representing over 600 professionals working in the field of Therapeutic Recreation in Alberta. ATRA exists to improve the health and quality of life the public by advancing therapeutic recreation practice.
Growing Recreation Together is a fitting theme as both organizations mission are aligned to improving the health and quality of life of all Albertans. Even though this will mark the first time that both organizations have collaborated together on their main professional development event, the past programs for both events have shared common themes and topics. Both organizations are excited to be able to learn and share from our respective leaders and members.
The Program for the Conference/Symposium will be developed by a volunteer Committee that will include representatives from both ARPA and ATRA as well as a number of other key stakeholders. The recreation and parks sector is quite diverse in terms of the work we do and our hope is to have strong program content for everyone.
The Program Committee invites students, educators, practitioners, professionals, allied health professionals and others to submit presentation proposals relevant to evidence based best practices, innovative programs, assessment, facilitation techniques, interventions, management issues, theories/models, research, and other strategies that advance and develop our sector and related professions.
Indigenous Stream
When speaking of Canada's role in reconciliation with our Indigenous communities, Dr. Wilton Littlechild, TRC Commissioner, often points to the need for reconcile-ACTION. It is the investment in meaningful actions that will pave the way forward for our province and, by working together with our partners, we can ensure these actions create a positive legacy for all Albertans. In order to advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, ARPA will feature a stream of sessions that look at how we can redress the challenges of the past and, through recreation, explore opportunities to work collaboratively with our Indigenous communities.
Some other background information to help with your presentation proposal:
- Connections to national sector policies and frameworks including but not limited to:
- High level trends
- Demographic Changes
- Challenges to Health
- Economic Inequalities
- Social Challenges
- New & Emerging Technology
- Infrastructure Deficit
- Threats to the Natural Environment