Newsletter

Virtual Academy Update

By Michelle Aguayo, Training Coordinator

The Authority’s first-ever virtual academy was a big success. Thirty member employees from 24 agencies attended the Authority’s Parks and Recreation Academy from March 9-11, 2021. Given the new online format and based on surveys from members who have attended academies in the past, Authority training staff changed the schedule format to three consecutive half-days. This format worked well for participants as it allowed them time to manage their daily job tasks, as well.

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Michelle Aguayo, Training Coordinator, and Ryan Thomas, Training and Loss Control Specialist, hosted the academy, which included a fun, breakout room icebreaker on the first day.  “Our goal for the virtual academies is to provide our online participants with as much of an in-person feeling as possible.  I think we accomplished that with this first one,” expressed Ryan.  Throughout the week, attendees were encouraged to send their feedback to the Authority on what they experienced.  Michelle noted positive member feedback, including comments from Laura Lisack, Recreation Manager at the City of Lake Forest, who wrote, “Thank you so much for coordinating such a wonderful academy.  Today’s topics and presenters were great and definitely shared a lot of valuable information.  The information for special events on obtaining vendor insurance and how to be better prepared were all things that will definitely be a part of the City of Lake Forest’s checklist moving forward.”  Laura went on to comment, “Also, the session on playground safety protocols and inspection guidelines was very informative and sparked some ideas to bring back to our Public Works team.  This academy was VERY valuable!”

The Authority used a production crew to film and broadcast the event from the Authority’s La Palma campus.  Most speakers were remote and used a video call-in for their session.  They were also able to interact with and see the attendees on their screen during their presentation.

The next virtual academy, the Risk Management Academy, will be held April 12-14, 2021, and those who have a primary risk management responsibility and manage their agency’s risk exposure are encouraged to submit a registration request through March 31 on the event website.  We look forward to seeing you, “virtually,” soon!

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