JEDI Virtual Roundtables

Join the CPRS JEDI Counsel and fellow park & recreation professionals for our free quarterly virtual roundtable discussions. 

Each quarter we take up a new topic, Counsel members help facilitate the discussion, attendees learn from others, share their own experiences, and have space to ask difficult questions.  These virtual roundtables offer a 'brave space' for open dialogue and learning about what can be challenging or nuanced topics.  The roundtables are not recorded to help participants feel more welcome to have authentic and productive discussions.  All are welcome to attend, CPRS membership is not required.  

CPRS JEDI Virtual Roundtable: Beyond the Land Acknowledgement & Native American Communities

Wed., September 2, 2026 @ 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Register by September 1st at 11:59 pm (Pacific)

Register Here

Suggest a Future Topic

Take a moment to tell the JEDI Counsel what topics you want to discuss and learn about next!

About us

In 2022, we took the monumental step of forming the CPRS Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Counsel, a permanent standing committee approved by the CPRS State Board of Directors. The Counsel evolved from the work and value of the JEDI Task Force - a group of individuals who were committed to the advancement of JEDI work within CPRS. It was not created to act as an advisory board, enacting rules and regulations, but rather to assist, build and connect our collective stories.

Our Counsel is made up of CPRS members representing various locations, job functions, backgrounds and more. Each Counselor brings with them a unique talent and commitment to advancing this important work.

Feel free to reach out to the JEDI Counselors directly or through the online community dedicated to all things JEDI.  How can you reach individual JEDI Counselors?  All current counselors are noted immediately below -- CPRS members can use the Member Directory to find the contact information on file.

    Lauren Oakley

    JEDI Initiative Lead
    Director of Professional Development at the California Park & Recreation Society

    Quani Bates

    JEDI Initiative Coordinator
    Professional Development Coordinator at the California Park & Recreation Society

    As of March 2026, JEDI Counsel members include: 

    • Marianne Aranda, City of Ukiah
    • Dominic Broadhead, Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation
    • Adam Chow, City of San Ramon
    • Tara Gee, City of Roseville
    • Doug Grove, RHA Landscape Architects - Planners, Inc.
    • Becky Herz, Orangevale Recreation & Park District 
    • Leah Martinez, Hayward Area Recreation & Park District
    • Sara Nahass Lopez, City of Brisbane
    • Teresa Ramirez, City of El Monte
    • Victoria Reyna, City of Lancaster
    • Ashley Sylvester, City of St. Helena
    • Brandon Taylor, California State University Fresno

    Contribute to the JEDI Initiative!

    Eff. April 2026, the bi-monthly working meetings of the JEDI Counsel will be open to all CPRS members – check the JEDI online community for the meeting schedule.  Additionally, those interested in contributing to the work of the Counsel will be able to join on a rolling basis – the only prerequisite to serve on the JEDI Counsel is current CPRS membership.  

    What does service as a JEDI Counselor entail? 

    • Maintain active CPRS membership 

    • Participate in the bi-monthly working meetings (via zoom)

    • Be listed among the JEDI Counsel roster on the JEDI Counsel webpage

    • Raise your hand once in a while when there is a call to action among the Counsel, for example: 

      • Facilitate virtual roundtable discussions

      • Author or facilitate re-publishing relevant articles/resources 

      • Help coordinate or serve as a presenter for virtual and in-person trainings 

      • Address questions and discussions raised by CPRS members

    • Advance JEDI principles in your network where possible

    To serve as a JEDI Counselor, complete the online sign-up form

      Sign up to Serve as a
      JEDI Counselor

      All active CPRS members interested in contributing to the work of the JEDI Counsel are welcome to sign up!

      JEDI Online Community

      Join the conversation in the "JEDI - Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion" online community.  Ask questions, share ideas and resources, and stay up to date on the activities of the CPRS JEDI initiative. 
      Online community access is limited to active CPRS members.

      A note for the CPRS District, Region and Section Leaders:
      This change in structure of the JEDI Counsel does not have any direct impacts on the structure or expectations of your District or Section board.  This change to the JEDI Counsel simply opens the door to enhance opportunities for transparency and collaboration.  If your board has a designated JEDI representative or similar role, they would be the most appropriate individual to attend the bi-monthly working meetings, however ALL CPRS members are welcome to attend these meetings moving forward.

      What if you are not a CPRS member?
      There will continue to be opportunities to engage with the CPRS JEDI initiative if you are not a CPRS member.  The quarterly virtual roundtables will continue to be free and accessible to absolutely anyone interested in participating (regardless of membership status).  Similarly, trainings hosted at cost will be available to both members and non-members alike. 
      The opportunity to serve as a JEDI Counselor and engage in the online community specific to JEDI is limited to active CPRS members.  Learn more about becoming a member here

       

      If you have any questions about this change or how to get involved, do not hesitate to reach out to Lauren Oakley, Lead for the CPRS JEDI Initiative on behalf of CPRS HQ.

        JEDI Academy

        The inaugural JEDI Academy took place May 2–3, 2024, at the beautiful Lake Merritt Sailboat House in the City of Oakland. More than 65 park, recreation, and industry professionals from 35 different organizations attended this two-day professional development event. The Academy aimed to offer attendees “intermediate” education about JEDI principles (i.e., Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) to be implemented in their daily work, within their workplaces, and even in their personal lives as community members. All 2024 JEDI Academy experiences focused on Awareness, Belonging, and Communication.

        The programming offered across the two-day academy included:

        • Mindfulness Meditation w/ Samara Reynolds
          • Awareness
        • Equity System Change Management w/ Darlene Flynn, City of Oakland [0.15 CEUs]
          • Awareness, Communication
        • Together We Dine Luncheon w/ Project Unity
          • Awareness, Belonging, Communication
        • Belonging 2.0 w/ Tiarra Warner, City of Rohnert Park [0.1 CEUs]
          • Belonging
        • So, You've Identified Your Privilege, Now What? w/ Frankie Nelson, City of Folsom, Penelope Crouse-Feehan, City of Folsom, & Ashika Lal, Southgate Recreation and Park District [0.125 CEUs]
          • Awareness
        • Equity in Budgeting w/ Leah Martinez, CPRP, City of Hayward [0.125 CEUs]
          • Awareness, Belonging
        • Park Access & Equity w/ Tara Gee, City of Roseville & Doug Grove, RHA Landscape-Architects [0.125 CEUs]
          • Awareness, Belonging
        • JEDI Policy Builder Workshop w/ Becky Herz, Orangevale Recreation and Park District [0.15 CEUs]
          • Awareness, Communication

        Together We Dine Luncheon

        The Together We Dine Luncheon on the first day was the nexus of the A, B, C’s of the Academy content and the CPRS Strategic CARD Framework. Attendees were split into diverse groups of about seven people, each with a facilitator from Project Unity guiding the experience.

        Everyone received a question about equity, race relations, allyship, inclusion, and more. Participants practiced listening, communicating, and being vulnerable while staying productive and respectful. The energy shift after the luncheon was significant—it felt like the group was truly connecting and cultivating belonging. At the end of the luncheon, attendees were asked what gave them hope; some responses are pictured.

        Here are some insights from JEDI Academy attendees:

        "The JEDI academy allows us to have educated conversations surrounding difficult topics. After attending, I'm now moreconfident in making decisions regarding these sensitive issues."

        "Empowering. Poignant. Inspirational. That's how I would describe the 2024 JEDI Academy. From the sessions, there were a wide variety of experiences and it was nice to hear the perspectives of other like-minded people. And though we did not all have the same point of view or agree on everything, together we were able to navigate the critical process of discovery and consider strategies for making impacts in our communities. All-in-all, the JEDI Counsel planned and executed an impactful, well-thought-out, insightful, and transformational academy."

        "There were plenty of "ah-ha" moments but I'll round it down to the small intimate table talks. I think that was my favorite part of the event. A judgment-free zone where we got to speak and listen."

        "I now realize how "systemic" discrimination is. It's not just a few bad actors. It's built into the system."

        "Just because programs are full doesn't mean that we are meeting the needs of the community."

        "Equity creates the path between hope and change."

        Group photo in front of the Lake Merritt Sailboat House

        Photos & Shared Materials

        JEDI Academy attendees are able to access the photos and presentation materials (that were shared) within this Google Drive folder.

        Definitions

        Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals & communities can live a full & dignified life. These barriers are essentially the "isms" in society: racism, sexism, classism etc.

        Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers - the "isms"- exist. Equity is the approach & equality is the outcome. 

        Inclusion

        Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, & amplifying the voices, perspectives & styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.

        The differences between us based on which we experience systemic advantages or encounter systemic barriers to opportunities.

        General Resources

        Title Time Commitment Source
        Bechdel Test 2 minutes feministfrequency.com
        How America's Justice System is Rigged Against the Poor 4 minutes and 52 seconds youtube.com
        Systemic Racism Explained 4 minutes and 23 seconds youtube.com
        Blind Spots: Challenge Assumptions 2 minutes and 19 seconds youtube.com
        Does Everybody Have a Gay Gene 4 minutes and 12 seconds youtube.com
        The Twisted Truth Behind the "Model Minority" Stereotype 5 minutes and 27 seconds youtube.com
        Heineken: Open Your World 4 minutes and 25 seconds youtube.com
        John Powell: Othering Without Belonging: The Story of Our Future 17 minutes and 38 seconds youtube.com
        Simon Sinek: What Diversity and Inclusion is REALLY About 4 minutes and 5 seconds youtube.com
        Title Time Commitment Source
        NPR: Code Switch Varies (15–60 minutes) NPR App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music
        Diversity Beyond the Checkbox Varies (20–60 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        reWorked: Diversity and Inclusion Podcast Varies (20–60 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        Still Processing Varies (20–60 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        Making Gay History Varies (14–60 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts, makinggayhistory.com
        Race at Work Varies (24–50 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        Disability Matters Varies (45–55 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        Asian Enough Varies (25–60 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        The Will to Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity and Inclusion Varies (35–75 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts
        Latinos Who Lunch Varies (45–90 minutes) Spotify, Apple Podcasts

        Please consider supporting your local library by utilizing an app like Libby!

        Title Source
        The Fragile Mind: How It Has Produced and Unwittingly Perpetuates America's Tragic Disparities by Dr. Jarik Conrad https://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1434398870
        Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America by Jeff Wiltse https://books.google.com/books/about/Contested_Waters.html?id=cRQxbEaV0KUC&source=kp_book_description
        A Guide to Gender - The Social Justice Advocate's Handbook by Sam Killerman https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Social_Justice_Advocate_s_Handbook.html?id=VXHHngEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description
        Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald https://books.google.com/books/about/Blindspot.html?id=r0A7_joFYewC&source=kp_book_description
        This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite https://books.google.com/books/about/This_Chair_Rocks.html?id=-z-EDwAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description
        DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng https://books.google.com/books/about/DEI_Deconstructed.html?id=1j0UzwEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description
        The Loudest Duck: Moving Beyond Diversity While Embracing Differences to Achieve Success at Work by Laura Liswood https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Loudest_Duck.html?id=UchpV1k06UoC&source=kp_book_description
        The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Sum_of_Us/DLhPEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0&kptab=overview
        Belonging without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World by Stephen Menendian and John A. Powell https://www.google.com/books/edition/Belonging_without_Othering/NDj9EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
        The Leader's Guide to Unconscious Bias: How to Reframe Bias, Cultivate Connection, and Create High-Performing Teams by Pamela Fuller, Anne Chow, and Mark Murphy https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Leader_s_Guide_to_Unconscious_Bias/xivODwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
        Title Time Commitment Source
        What is Tone Policing and Why is it Wrong 10 minutes https://feminisminindia.com/2020/07/17/infographic-tone-policing-why-its-wrong/
        Nature Must be Accessible to All 5 minutes https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2020/july/nature-must-be-accessible-to-all/
        Supporting the Mental Health of Employees of Color 15 minutes https://hbr.org/2024/05/supporting-the-mental-health-of-employees-of-color
        A Guide to Gender Identity Terms 10 minutes https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq
        Title Type Source
        Racial Equity and Implicit Bias Initative Virtual Education Series https://reibinitiative.swoogo.com/home/course-descriptions
        NRPA Equity In Practice Certificate 1: Exploring Racial Equity Certification Program https://nrpa-education.secure-platform.com/site/page/EIPCertificateProgram/EIPCertificateOne
        NRPA Equity In Practice Certificate 2: Pursuing Race Equity in Parks and Recreation Certification Program https://nrpa-education.secure-platform.com/site/page/EIPCertificateProgram/EIPCertificateTwo
        NRPA Equity In Practice Certificate 3: Integrating Equity in Practice Certification Program https://learning.nrpa.org/equity-in-practice-certificate-programs
        GARE's Advancing Racial Equity in Government Online Course https://learn.racialequityalliance.org/products/advancing-racial-equity

        Title Type Source
        Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Interactive Map https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5
        Learning Policy Institutes Districts Advancing Racial Equity (DARE) Tool Guide https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/reln-districts-advancing-racial-equity-tool
        Name Coach Tool https://cloud.name-coach.com/
         Title Type Time Commitment Source
        Stamped from the beginning Movie (Rated R): Documentary 1 hour and 31 minutes Netflix
        Shirley Movie (PG-13) 1 hour and 58 minutes Netflix
        The Queen of Ireland Movie 1 hour and 22 minutes Amazon Prime
        Hidden Figures Movie (PG) 2 hours and 7 minutes Amazon Prime
        13th Movie (TA-MA): Documentary 1 hour and 40 minutes Netflix
        Disclosure Movie (TA-MA): Documentary 1 hour and 48 minutes Amazon Prime
        RBG Movie (PG): Documentary 1 hour and 38 minutes Amazon Prime
        The Speed Cubers Movie (PG): Documentary Short 30 minutes Amazon Prime
        The Intern Movie (PG-13) 2 hours and 1 minute Amazon Prime
        The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson Movie (TA-MA): Documentary 1 hour and 45 minutes Amazon Prime