Questions and Answers
How do I organize a March for Parks event?
A March for Parks (MFP) event is organized by a group of people
who have the common goal of promoting and conserving a park. After you
select a park, it is important to locate individuals to help in the
planning and implementation of the MFP event. As a group decide on what
your March for Parks event and goals will be and then develop a plan
for your MFP event. The National Park Service has created a March For
Parks Guidebook to facilitate your group or organization through the
implementation of your MFP event.
Who participates in a March for Parks event?
Participants of MFP events can be anyone
who is interested and enjoys the parks.
Encourage volunteers of all ages to participate
in the celebration of the parks!
Where do I find help?
Start with friends and family. Get their advice and support.
- Contact the park's Friends Group or groups that frequent the park.
- Talk to neighbors and co-workers who may share your interest in
the park.
- If you belong to an organization (e.g. Girl Scouts, Rotary, youth
soccer) get on their next meeting agenda and see if they want to get
involved.
- Branch out to other groups. Go to their meetings. Invite as large
a cross-section of your community as possible. This is especially
important if the entire community uses your park.
- Publicize your planning meetings.
- Ask the people you recruit to recruit. Figure that at least one-third
of the people you recruit may be unable to finish their responsibilities.
When do I hold a MFP event?
March For Parks is most typically celebrated during National
Park Week which coincides with Earth Day. National Park Week 2007 will
be celebrated April 22 - 29th. The theme for this year’s
National Park Week is Your National Parks: Explore, Learn and Protect.
What types of events can be done?
What types of MFP events you decide to
do is completely up to you. The most common event is a walk, but you
can do any event that promotes community involvement including festivals,
auctions, tournaments, etc.
Can my March be a fundraiser?
Yes, but this is not required. Historically, this has been a common
trait of a March for Parks event with participants raising pledges based
on the distance covered. In the past, NPCA required March organizers
to pledge that 100% of money raised would be given to support a park
or particular park project. March organizers who wish to raise funds
should do so only with the knowledge and agreement of the park to be
supported. All fundraising must be done in accordance with the laws
and policies applicable to the local, state, or federal park involved.
