CPRS Legislative Calendar

CPRS Legislative Calendar

This legislative calendar outlines simple, actionable steps you can take each month to be a stronger advocate for parks and recreation. Each month focuses on timely opportunities to engage, speak up, and make an impact.

The webpage will be updated monthly with new, easy-to-use advocacy ideas to help you stay involved year-round.

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July

Parks Make Life Better!® Month

  • Community Celebrations: Host Park picnics, movie nights, or volunteer cleanup days to celebrate Parks Make Life Better!® Month.
  • Proclamation Ceremonies: Hold events recognizing Parks Make Life Better!® Month and highlight partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses.
  • Storytelling Campaign: Collect and share personal stories from residents about how parks have improved their lives, share with local and state officials.
  • Legislative Recess Meetings: Use this time to schedule informal meetings with legislators while they are back in the district.

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June 

Budget & Funding Advocacy

  • Governor’s May Budget Revision: Respond to action alerts advocating for funding for local parks, urban forestry, and recreation programs.
  • Thank You Campaign: Send thank-you letters to legislators who support park funding or attended your local events.
  • Budget Planning: Research your local government’s budget cycle to align parks advocacy with decision-making timelines.

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May

Budget & Funding Advocacy

  • Governor’s May Budget Revision: Respond to action alerts advocating for funding for local parks, urban forestry, and recreation programs.
  • Thank You Campaign: Send thank-you letters to legislators who support park funding or attended your local events.
  • Budget Planning: Research your local government’s budget cycle to align parks advocacy with decision-making timelines.

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April

Parks, Recreation & Community Wellness Month

  • Join CPRS at the Capitol: Participate in Parks Advocacy Day to share success stories and funding needs for parks across California.
  • Social Media Toolkit: Use CPRS-branded graphics to celebrate the impact of parks, recreation programs, and open space on community wellness.
  • Local Events: Host a family fitness day or nature walk and invite legislators to attend.

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March

Parks & Recreation Education Focus

  • Invite Officials: Invite legislators to tour your parks, recreation centers, or trail systems during spring recess.
  • School Partnerships: Attend a local school board meeting to advocate for youth fitness programs, playground improvements, or outdoor education initiatives.
  • Public Testimony: Attend state or local meetings to highlight the role of parks in healthy communities.

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February

Legislative Awareness Month

  • Bill Introduction Deadline: Track bills impacting parks, open spaces, recreation, and community health initiatives.
  • Local Proclamations: Work with your City Council or County Board to recognize Parks Make Life Better!® Month in July with an official proclamation.
  • Community Connections: Call or email three colleagues or community partners to engage them in future advocacy actions.

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January 

Kick Off the Year with Parks Advocacy

  • Welcome Your Legislators: Send a welcome email or letter to newly elected state officials introducing CPRS, your agency, and the positive impact of parks and recreation in your community.
  • Governor’s Budget Announcement: Participate in advocacy alerts regarding state funding priorities for parks and recreation.
  • Know Your Officials: Research committees and priorities for your elected officials and connect park initiatives to their interests.
  • Membership Engagement: Encourage colleagues to sign up for CPRS Star Report Legislative Updates. Register HERE for our monthly updates via Zoom.

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