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.

Upcoming Workshops in 2022

The Parks Team at PTNY is constantly developing new workshops and resources to support the incredible work done by Friends groups.  We are currently working on a slate of programs for 2022 so check back with us for more information or email us if you have ideas about future topics or have any questions. 

2021 Workshops 

Over the course of 2021, Parks & Trails New York - in collaboration with the Friends Leadership Council and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - developed a series of virtual workshops to foster inspiration and collaboration through the sharing of best-practices on topics that lend themselves to the growth of individual groups.  Topics included:

• 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

Workshop Recordings and Resources