Get Involved!

"How can I get involved" you ask?

There are millions of ways to get involved and take an active role in your professional development!

Conferences and Student Lead Ons

Conferences and Student Lead Ons are a great way to become more active in the Association. Conferences provide casual, friendly opportunities for NIRSA Members. Student Members and professionals alike work to make sure all conference attendees feel welcome, and respected, and that everyone has an awesome experience.

Student Lead Ons are designed to afford Student Members with various leadership development opportunities. These programs are developed and delivered by the Student Members, for the Student Members. This is an ideal venue for Student Members to get more involved, through attending, presenting, or volunteering! Just contact your State Student Representative or Regional State Representative, and tell them you're interested in taking an active role in your organization: NIRSA.

Regional conferences are a great way to get involved also. There you have they opportunity to meet more members of your region (students and professionals). Attend, present, volunteer! Just contact your Regional Student Representative and ask how you can serve NIRSA.

During the NIRSA Annual Conference there is always a strong need for volunteers and student leaders. It's your volunteerism that makes the event a success! Volunteers are needed to monitors session, help coordinate the T-shirt Exchange, staff the Career Opportunities Center, and Exhibit Hall, or just walk around with a smile on your face, encouraging fellow Students to become more active in NIRSA.

Nominations and Elections

How about standing for election? There are opportunities within the organization to serve your campus, state, region, or nation! Every April new Student Representatives are elected. Why not you? It is a great opportunity to learn more about NIRSA and make an investment in your professional development and marketability. Contact your National, Regional, or State Student Representative for details. The nominations deadline for the 2006 elections is December 2nd.

Committees

There are over 50 committees within NIRSA that contribute to the organization's success, and most reserve a seat for a Student Representative! If you have any questions on how to find the one for you, contact the NIRSA President-elect, or the National Student Representative, and they will help in your search for the right committee.

State Associations

There are seven state associations you can get involved in. Contact your Regional Vice President to find out how to get involved with yours.

Volunteering at Events

Whether in your state or region, NIRSA sponsors various sporting events and tournaments throughout the year that you can help make a success. Contact your State or Regional Student Representative to find out which events are coming to your area and how you can volunteer as an official or a tournament staff member.

Publishing Opportunities

If you have a particular interest that is recreation-related, why not write an article for the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal? You can even do a spin-off article of your thesis or doctorate. NIRSA is always looking for new potential candidates for publication. Contact the NIRSA National Center for more information.

Research Grants

Did you know that if you are working on a thesis, doctorate, or any project that requires funding, you can apply for a research grant? Contact the NIRSA National Center for research eligibility requirements.

Communicate

If you want to see what burning issues are touching the recreational profession, join one of the several NIRSA Members Only Mailing Lists!

Share your ideas!

We want you, not only you, but your creative, new ideas! If you have a suggestion, comment or question, make yourself heard! If you are not sure who to contact, start at your institution. Ask a Professional and they will help you pass it on. Or, you can contact any of your Student Representatives! We want to hear from you!