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Friends-to-Friends Workshops 

Parks & Trails New York regularly hosts workshops designed to support grassroots Friends groups through the sharing of best-practices, innovative programming and collaboration. Our workshops feature expert panelists ranging from professional consultants to other Friends group leaders, who share their insights on a variety of topics designed to increase the capacity and impact of grassroots organizations. Our workshops also provide opportunities for Friends to network and share resources.

PTNY's Friends-to-Friends workshop series - created in collaboration with the Friends Leadership Council and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - was designed to foster inspiration and collaboration through the sharing of best-practices on topics that lend themselves to the growth of individual groups.  

 MARCH 13, 2025

"Wellness in the Parks"

Join us for a dynamic workshop on bringing health and wellness programming to your site! Learn about statewide initiatives that support mental and physical well-being, discover practical strategies to create impactful programs, and hear from fellow Friends on successful efforts. This is a great opportunity to gain new ideas, connect with peers, and explore ways to engage your community through wellness-focused initiatives. Don’t miss out on the chance to be inspired and bring fresh programming to your park or historic site!

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAFc-BezSRO-yNWABN2v2w?mc_cid=367befb081&mc_eid=UNIQID#/registration

DECEMBER 2024

"Marketing that Works for Friends"

Marketing is an ever-changing beast. Even the largest corporations struggle to keep up with the newest trends and may not realize the ineffectual ones until a hefty amount of time and money has already been invested. Many friends groups do not have the time, staff, or resources to stay up-to-date, nor do they have the budgets to break through the overwhelming amount of information out there.
 
 
 
 

Previous workshop topics include: 

  • Implicit Bias: Understanding Beliefs and Biases
  • Introduction to the New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition 
  • Programming Through the Lens of Contemporary Indigenous Knowledge and Culture
  • NYS Parks Centennial and Friends Groups
  • New York State Funding: Opportunities and Strategies
  • Yes, There Was Slavery in New York & It Was Common
  • Advancing Equity: How the “Connect Kids” and “Ladders to the Outdoors” Programs Expand Youth Access to Nature and History
  • Park Advocacy Day: The Importance of Making Our Voices Heard
  • Updating and Maximizing your MOA with State Parks
  • Engaging, Recruiting, and Retaining Volunteers: Best Practices 
  • The Natural Heritage Trust: What Is It and What Does it Mean for Friends? 
  • Cultivating and Strengthening Your Board 
  • The Power of Instagram: Using Instagram to Support Your Organization
  • Friends are the Future! What PTNY Can Offer Friends in 2022
View Workshop Recordings
Additional Resources from Workshops