Community Recreation Definitions and Delivery

A concise statement that describes the organization's core purpose, values, and goals. It acts as a guiding principle for all organizational decisions and activities.

A group of individuals elected or appointed to oversee the organization's operations, ensure financial stability, and make strategic decisions. They are responsible for setting policies, monitoring performance, and ensuring ethical conduct.

A measure of an organization's effectiveness in using its resources to achieve its mission. It is calculated by dividing program expenses by total expenses and is represented as a percentage. It provides a measure of how much of the organization's budget is dedicated to achieving its core programs.

The ability of an organization to effectively plan, organize, finance, and implement its programs and services. It encompasses aspects like financial health, staff expertise, community engagement, and strategic planning.

The duty of board members and leaders to act in the best interests of the organization, upholding its mission and values. It involves making decisions that are fair, transparent, and promote the organization's long-term sustainability.

The duty of board members and leaders to exercise reasonable care and diligence in their decision-making and oversight of the organization. It involves making informed, well-considered decisions and being accountable for their actions.

The duty of board members and leaders to follow the organization's governing documents, including its bylaws, policies, and regulations. It ensures that decisions align with the organization's legal and ethical framework.

The executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, implementing board decisions, managing staff, and overseeing programs. A board member provides oversight, strategic guidance, and ensures accountability.

The provision of recreational opportunities and programs to a community, typically through organizations in the public, non-profit, or private sectors.

A theoretical framework suggesting healthy communities have strong social networks, economic opportunity, quality education, healthy lifestyles, and safe environments. Community recreation plays a role in connecting individuals, promoting physical activity, and contributing to the well-being of communities.

The infrastructure that supports social interaction, community building, and collective action; can include parks, community centers, libraries, and organizations that provide opportunities for people to connect and engage.

The aspects of a community that make its social infrastructure more successful, such as access (availability), affordability, responsiveness (to community needs), and participation. These dimensions help determine how effectively social infrastructure serves its purpose.

An organization established to serve a social purpose and generally exempt from paying taxes, operating with a mission to benefit the community. They often rely on donations, grants, and membership fees for funding.

Non-profit organizations often receive funding through grants, donations, and membership fees, while public organizations rely on tax revenue. Non-profits have flexible governance structures, while public organizations are subject to government regulations. However, both types share the purpose of serving the community.

A place that fosters social interaction, community building, and a sense of belonging. It is often described as a 'third place' because it is distinct from one's home (first place) and work (second place). Examples include coffee shops, libraries, and community centers.

Both concepts emphasize the importance of social interaction and community building. Third place focuses on the physical space and its atmosphere that encourages community, while social infrastructure emphasizes the underlying resources and systems that support community engagement.

Fees charged to users of public recreation facilities or services. These fees generate revenue to fund operations, maintenance, and improvements.

The ability of individuals to easily and comfortably access and utilize public recreation spaces and services, without facing barriers or exclusion.

The fair and just distribution of recreation resources and opportunities, ensuring that all individuals and communities have equal access.

The transfer of wealth or income from those who use public recreation services to those who do not directly use them. This can occur through taxes or other forms of public funding.

The situation where individuals are taxed twice for the same service - once through general taxes and again through user fees for public recreation.

The extent to which public recreation spaces are inclusive and welcoming to diverse groups, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing exclusion.

The act of transferring public recreation services, assets, or responsibilities from the government to private entities.

The benefits of recreation that extend beyond the individual, benefiting society as a whole. These include environmental preservation, social cohesion, and improved health outcomes.

Interactional justice emphasizes fair and respectful treatment in interactions. It considers how individuals are treated by recreation staff and other participants. For community recreation, this means ensuring inclusive environments where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their background.

A critical consciousness involves actively recognizing and challenging biases, power imbalances, and systemic inequalities within the recreation sector. It means being aware of how social structures and historical context influence recreation opportunities for different groups.

Belonging refers to feeling connected to a community and experiencing a sense of acceptance and inclusion. This aspect of access is crucial as individuals who feel they belong are more likely to participate in recreation activities.

Discrimination involves denying individuals access or opportunities based on their identity or characteristics, resulting in unequal treatment. Accommodation, on the other hand, refers to making adjustments or modifications to provide everyone with equal access and opportunity.

Equity in resource allocation is a principle that focuses on ensuring fair and just distribution of resources based on individual needs and circumstances. This means addressing existing disparities and promoting equal opportunity for access and participation.

Equality prioritizes providing everyone with the same amount of resources, regardless of individual needs.

Compensatory equity aims to address past disadvantages and historical discrimination by allocating more resources to groups that have been historically marginalized. This approach seeks to level the playing field and promote greater equity.

Community benefit focuses on allocating resources based on the potential benefits for the entire community, emphasizing shared interests and collective well-being. This approach seeks to maximize positive outcomes for the community as a whole.