AORE Association News December 2014 | Page 9

Professional Development Interview [Cont.] author and saying, “Hey. I really like your work. Can we chat about it?” Why is professional development important to professionals in the outdoor recreation field? Gosh, that’s a big question. I think in our field professional development is more important than in many others. We are such a wonderfully diverse group of people working in so many different settings that people often don’t consider “outdoor recreation” a career (I’m guessing plenty of AORE members have had parents or significant others that might have concurred with this). Because of this, we need to continually solidify the work that we do in best practices, research, and tangible outcomes. Many of the areas where outdoor recreation professionals work count on us to produce results beyond fun and recreation. This makes it essential that we are constantly learning how to communicate what we do effectively, provide current and quality programming, and connect with colleagues who can help us stay invigorated for the many long days we all work. Do you have any conferences or courses that you attend annually, or you think is most important to your development as a professional? Working in campus outdoor recreation, AORE is certainly my professional home and the conference I attend every year (and now, I “have to” being an incoming member of the Board of Directors member). I think it’s also important for me to attend something NIRSA-related each year to stay connected with campus recreation professionals in general. Higher education members of both of these organizations can benefit substantially from attending an ACPA or NASPA conference at least once. It’s difficult to admit, but we’re largely not part of that broader conversation in higher education. And we should be. Final comments? I think some professionals and students have the idea that professional development needs to equate to conferences, which is certainly far from the truth. I encourage everyone to set professional development goals and goals specifically for conferences (if they’re able to attend them). It can be great to go to AORE or any other conference and meet a few folks, enjoy the free beer and band, and go home happy. If attendees aren’t following up after the conference and during the year, making use of what they learned, and engaging in the broader professional conversation, the money spent on a conference would better go towards something else. WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Committees Board of Directors Every year, the AORE looks to its membership for service on committees. These leadership opportunities allow members to have a strong impact on the future of the AORE. Current AORE committees include: The board of directors provides an opportunity to influence the professionalization of the outdoor industry. The Board of Directors oversees the overall operation of the AORE.  Access and Permitting  Awards and Scholarships Contact Ian Brown ([email protected]) if you have interest serving on the Board.  Conference Development Active Membership  Research and Publications   Student Development  Contact the National Office for committee contact  information.  Participate and offer feedback to Listerv requests. Complete member surveys. Buy and support vendor members. Encourage others to become members.   9 Write an article for the quarterly newsletter. Become familiar with AORE bylaws, Mission, Vision and Strategic Map.