By Stan Shingles, 2015-2016 NIRSA President, Assistant Vice President at Central Michigan University

I recently attended both the Michigan and Illinois Intramural-Recreational Sports  Association workshops. Attending these workshops brought back fond memories of my formative years of service in the Association. I attended my first NIRSA-related event—the Illinois State Workshop—while a graduate student at Illinois State University (ISU). This workshop was held what seems like a half-century ago—and yet I still vividly recall my apprehension, fear, and reservations about attending.

I know many of you who have attended, or will be attending, your first workshops this fall or winter can identify with these feelings. How do you overcome them? How do you engage in a way that will be purposeful and productive? It’s quite simple: “It Starts with Us!” This was the theme for both state workshops I attended this fall, and it underscores the importance of member engagement at the state level. The opportunities are many, the relationships built are lasting, and attendance at these events is a priceless investment in professional engagement that pays off in so many ways.

The first Region III Student Lead On workshop was held at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in 1988. That year, I was a graduate student, and I recall our ISU staff not being able to make the 170-mile drive from Normal, Illinois to Indy due to inclement weather. The bad road conditions prevented us from attending the inaugural event of a treasured NIRSA experience that has endured to this day as one of the many engaging development opportunities available to emerging professionals.

State and provincial workshops too have become significant places to get your first taste of the collegiate recreation conference experience. These local events have become an entry point for new students and professionals alike; yet I am often asked, “What is the purpose of having these events when the Association puts on regional conferences and an Annual Conference?” Part of the rationale can be found in the popularity of these events; but, more importantly, it’s because these local events present students and emerging professionals with opportunities that don’t involve longer-distance travel.

Region III of NIRSA in particular has been a region with a long history of commitment to state associations. This is a region where the states have formed independent associations—and these associations allow states to form their own identities and to function with their own governance structures. Most importantly though, they facilitate great experiences, first-time opportunities, and active engagement in the profession by their members.

Yet, I still occasionally hear questions about the value of state associations and state or provincial workshops—whether they contribute to the health of our profession—and I believe it’s time to recommit, energize, and maximize the importance of state associations and state and provincial workshop opportunities. These local networks and events serve as something of a proving ground for NIRSA. These associations and workshops surface and develop new leaders and create sustainable pathways for successfully-developing new professionals and leaders.

The role of the state and provincial directors continues to be a critical link in engaging members from across North America in the many offerings of NIRSA. The state and provincial student leaders will continue to be vital in connecting and engaging with all student members. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to check out the NIRSA website and consider introducing yourself to your state or provincial directors and student leaders. As the Student Lead On workshops continues to grow in popularity, I am confident that local engagement and leadership opportunities will only continue to strengthen the development of the next generation of professionals and leaders.

Currently, 42% of our NIRSA professional membership has fewer than five years of professional experience in collegiate recreation; the engagement of these professionals at the state and provincial levels offers critical experiences that allow them to develop competencies that not only help them do their jobs better, but also to better serve their associations and the collegiate recreation profession.

While attending the MIRSA state workshop last month, I had the opportunity to experience the Keynote Presentation from Andy Boehnein (aka George Scott Baker)—Coordinator – Intramural Sports & Summer Camps at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. You can read more about Andy’s story in this month’s feature article: “Comedic recreation—a funny thing happened on the way to leadership: Andy Boehnlein, University of Michigan.” His presentation was not only engaging, but informative and entertaining. He focused on three key elements: learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the now.

It’s an approach that seems to echo the shared strategies and purposes in our state and provincial associations and workshops. As we employ these strategies, let’s be mindful of the potential opportunities and successful outcomes. We must continue to drive the narrative on issues related to health and wellbeing, student and professional development, and standards for collegiate recreation. State and provincial associations have become incubators for presentation topics; they allow for active learning, encourage the development and refinement of ideas, and serve as a source of countless creative endeavors.

As your conference and workshop engagement journey continues, I urge you to invest in these opportunities with real commitment and purpose. Find connections that will enhance these experiences in ways that extend beyond simply attending. The conference and workshop committees are always seeking volunteers to serve in important and meaningful roles. Take advantage of these opportunities and each will surely extend “The Places You’ll Go!”

Enjoy your journey, and be well.

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

― Dr. Seuss
Oh, The Places You’ll Go!