Reflections From the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit — Episode170

This Pride Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerful work
happening in Maryland to build more inclusive and welcoming park
and recreation spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.


Way back in September 2024, Christina attended the second annual
Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2SLGBTQIA+
Summit at the North Laurel Community Center. As the only known
state-level summit of its kind in the field of parks and
recreation, this gathering is a testament to the intentional and
sustained effort to center representation and inclusion across
the profession, and we’ve been eager to share the voices and
stories that came out of the summit!


The summit first began in 2023, sparked by a recognized need
within Maryland’s park and recreation departments to better
support and engage the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As Noah Callahan
from Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks explained, it all
started with a gap that was quickly filled by forming a
committee, engaging with community members, and building momentum
for a first-of-its-kind statewide event.


That first summit left a lasting impression, especially on
attendees like Jaimie Wilder from Howard County Recreation &
Parks. The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful programming, and
sense of solidarity stayed with them long after the event ended.
So, when the second summit came around, it was clear this was
becoming something special. It wasn’t just a one-off, but a
catalyst for real change.


The 2024 summit expanded on the foundation built the year prior.
With both 101 and 201 breakout session tracks, attendees were
able to engage with a variety of topics including allyship,
inclusive policy, indigenous inclusion, programming strategies
and historical context. As Ashlyn Thompson, inclusion and
community outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks, shared, the
summit was intentionally planned to meet people where they are —
whether just starting their inclusion journey or deepening their
understanding.


Kindness, joy and a strong willingness to learn was felt
throughout the summit. That spirit, combined with deeply personal
storytelling and education, created a space that was not only
informative but transformative.


Tune in to the full episode to learn more about this special
event and how it’s impacting the culture throughout parks and
recreation in Maryland. You’ll also learn:


How the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit is a model of how to build
welcoming spaces through education and collaboration

How connecting with speakers and organizations already doing
work in your community — such as at Pride events — can make your
inclusion efforts more authentic and impactful

How this event led to new programs like “Robinson Rainbows”
and influenced internal policies and workplace culture in
meaningful ways

How you can get started or deepen your organization’s journey
as it relates to this work

And much more!



Additional Resources:


MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit Webpage and Resources from 2024

NRPA Resource Library