ARPA Inclusion Award

Overview: 

The Inclusion Award celebrates the forward-thinking efforts of communities, organizations, or individuals in Alberta who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to championing inclusion initiatives, change, or practices within the recreation and parks sector. 

Inclusion is the practice of providing everyone with equitable access to opportunities and resources that help enhance and respect the equity and diversity of all individuals. These strategies are vital to reducing inequities and ensuring the benefits of recreation are universal. Inclusive actions foster a sense of belonging and make recreation and parks spaces a safer, more welcoming, and respectful environment for all. 

Eligibility

• Alberta based initiative, change, or practice.
• Communities or Organizations include: 
  • Municipalities
  • Not for Profit Organizations
  • Business
  • Schools
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Individuals or Groups
• Alberta Recreation & Parks Association membership is encouraged and may be prioritized in the selection process

The initiative must:

• Demonstrate the creation, implementation, or facilitation of a social justice, equity, diversity and/or inclusion initiative for the recreation and parks sector 
• Have been instrumental in the creation, implementation, or facilitation of initiatives or programs that promote social justice, equity, diversity, and/or inclusion within the recreation and parks sector. These initiatives may include but are not limited to;
  • Accessibility improvements
  • diversity training
  • inclusive programming
  • community engagement efforts.
• Have utilized innovative and creative approaches in addressing barriers to inclusion and promoting diversity within the recreation and parks sector. 

• Nominee contact information.
• Description of the nominee and impact that the community, organization, school, or individual has had on the creation, implementation, or facilitation of a social justice, equity, diversity and/or inclusion initiative for the recreation and parks sector. 
• Objectives of the project, program or initiative.
• Description of how the project, program or initiative has been communicated to the target or general populations.
• Two letters or e-mails of support OR one letter/e-mail of support and a link to evidence of nominee's merit (award, clippings, etc.)