Advocacy & Policy Development Flashcards

A parks department is developing a master plan and wants to ensure equitable park access. Which policy analysis approach is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Conduct a spatial equity analysis mapping park access by income, race, and age demographics

A spatial equity analysis overlays park access data with demographic information to identify underserved communities and inform equitable resource allocation.

What is 'astroturfing' in the context of public policy advocacy, and why is it problematic for park professionals?

Answer: Creating the false appearance of grassroots support through organized, non-genuine campaigns

Astroturfing fabricates the appearance of organic public support, which is ethically problematic and can undermine the credibility of legitimate park advocacy efforts.

Which federal agency administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which can be used to fund park improvements in low-income communities?

Answer: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD administers CDBG, which provides flexible grants to communities for a wide range of activities including park and recreation improvements that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

When testifying before a legislative committee about a parks funding bill, a parks professional should structure remarks by:

Answer: Opening with a compelling human story, presenting key data points, and closing with a clear call to action

Effective legislative testimony uses a narrative hook, data to support the argument, and a specific, actionable ask within the allotted time.

The NRPA position statement on 'Parks for Inclusion' primarily addresses which advocacy priority?

Answer: Ensuring park and recreation opportunities are accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities and backgrounds

NRPA's Parks for Inclusion initiative advocates for removing barriers so that parks and recreation serve every community member equitably, regardless of ability, background, or identity.

A park agency is opposing a proposed development that would eliminate a public green space. Which strategy is LEAST effective in a public comment process?

Answer: Filing a single agency comment without public mobilization

A single agency comment carries less weight than a coordinated effort that combines professional testimony with broad community participation in the public comment process.

The term 'park equity gap' most accurately refers to:

Answer: The disparity in access to quality parks and recreation between advantaged and underserved communities

The park equity gap describes the documented disparity where low-income communities and communities of color often have less access to quality parks and green space than more affluent areas.