Mission/Values/Vision

It is the mission of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to be an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.

It is the vision of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to be a state and national leader in advancing parks, recreation and conservation.

Values of the IPRA

• Advocacy - Advocacy for parks, recreation and conservation
• Community - Strong Community Leadership
• Collaboration - Professional and Citizen Collaboration
• Education - Quality Education
• Inclusion - Promoting Inclusion of All
• Innovation - Creativity and Innovation

Ethics & By-Laws

Illinois Park and Recreation Association members must comply with all local, state, and federal laws applicable to their employment. These principles build on that foundation and go even further. Based on the fundamental values such as: honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability, these principles define how park and recreation professionals should be ethical and accountable in their program operations, governance, human resources, financial management, and fundraising.

There are eleven Principles of Ethical Practice that should guide park and recreation professionals to reach their potential and strengthen their operations.

• Integrity: Honesty, Trust, Truthfulness
• Accountability: Responsibility for Actions
• Fairness: Action Free From Favor and Without Bias
• Citizenship: Reflecting the Standards of Our Free Society
• Mentoring: Counseling, Guiding, Sharing Experience
• Support for the Profession: Supporting and Encouraging Involvement
• Service Above Self: Respect, Concern, Courtesy and Responsiveness
• Standards of Practice: Professional and Technical Competence, Excellence in Service
• Confidentiality: Respecting Privacy and Maintaining Public Trust
• Employer/Employee Relations: Mutual Respect and Consideration
• Residents/Board/Staff Relations: Recognizing and Respecting Human Value

The Illinois Park and Recreation Association is committed to these principles and all members are required to pledge their commitment to the Principles of Ethical Practice.

The Principles of Ethical Practice define how well-trained, honorable professionals should conduct themselves within their areas of professional service, and provide benchmarks to measure their fulfillment of ethical obligations.