Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi
ادريس جاسم العبودي
ialiraqi@hotmail.com
ialoboudi@citymb.info
Idris is a nationally recognized Recreation and Parks professional and public speaker. A Highly motivating, energetic, passionate leader with vision and a pragmatic approach to recreation issues and needs, has been working in the field of Recreation for the Past 28 years. He is currently the Manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Manhattan Beach California. Idris is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and State / National and International notoriety and acclaim.
In February, 2008 Idris, received the Professional Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest award bestowed by the NRPA Pacific Southwest Regional Council. It recognizes professionals in the Region who have consistently given outstanding service to the park, recreation and conservation movement on the State, National and in the case of Mr. Al-Oboudi the international level. He also received the 2007 NRPA’s Program Excellence Award for Special Event.
In February, 2008 Idris, received Los Angeles County Special Commendation Award form forth District Supervisor Mr. Don Knabe. This Commendation is in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County California.
In March- 2006 Idris received The California Park & Recreation Society’s (CPRS Over 4000 in Membership) highest Award and Citation that recognizes outstanding contributions to CPRS and the parks, recreation, and/or human serves profession. This award also recognizes his contributions that significantly affect the parks & recreation profession on a regional, sectional, state & national level. Idris was honored for his contributions to the profession and commitment to the Creating Community VIP Action Plan. Both in 2005 and 2006 Idris received the California Parks and Recreation Society’s President’s Award for outstanding Leadership and dedicated service to the parks and recreation profession in California.
In 2004 Al-Oboudi was the first Chair of California Parks and Recreation Society’s Youth Sports and Fitness Task Force (Initiative) in charge of providing modality, revamping and re-directing the youth sports experience in California municipalities and organizations. This Plan was rolled out in fall 2005 and is being implemented state and nation wide starting in spring 2006. Mr. Al-Oboudi was in the lead as a creator and organizer of the Rally in support of Youth Sports and Fitness at the California State Capital on March-8-2007 during the CPRS annual Conference.
Mr. Al-Oboudi is a 25 year member of the CPRS & a long time member of the NRPA. He has served the CPRS membership in many areas, he was the Education Program Chair of the 2008, CPRS Conference, and served in the same capacity in 2004. He has been and Advisor for the CPRS Director of Education for the CPRS CONF 2003-2005& 2006. He was elected as Southern CA CPRS Administrators Section representative serving from 2003 to 2005.
Mr. Al-Oboudi is a frequent contributor to leadership workshops and meetings on recreation issues in Local Collages, Universities, and California Cities, community organizations, CPRS, NRPA and nation wide organizations. Mr. Al-Oboudi Developed a proto type frame work for Vision Insight Planning and Programming (Purpose Driven Programming). This tool was further developed and adopted in Programming for Community and youth recreation, cultural and social activities (Purpose Driven Programming) for the Islamic Community in the USA and the World. This is the First Vision Insight Planning programming tool developed for Muslim Organizations world wide. This ground braking work is a prelude to a comprehensive Initiative Mr. Al-Oboudi is Envisioning, Espousing and Creating, for the Muslim Community in the USA.
A 25 year resident of the Cal
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
Supporting Materials used in the speech given by Pam Sloan, at the NRPA
Pacific Southwest Award Reception Feb-28-2008, for Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi
(Two Awards: The NRPA Professional Distinguished Service Award &
Program Excellence Award)
Supporting Materials
Biographical Statement:
Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi is a 23-year member of CPRS and a long-time member of
the NRPA who has worked in the parks and recreation profession for 26 years.
Job Performance:
If ever there were a candidate that qualified for a NRPA Pacific Southwest Regional
Distinguished Service Award for his contribution to the profession and his commitment
to the CPRS VIP Action Plan, it is Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi. He has worked in the
recreation field for over two dozen years most of which was for the Manhattan Beach
Parks & Recreation Department; serving for the last 14 years as Recreation Services
Manager. Around the City he is known as the “Parks & Recreation Guru” because of
his vast knowledge and understanding of parks and recreation and the benefits it
provides not only to individuals but to the community as a whole.
Mr. Al-Oboudi has been instrumental in incorporating the vision, mission and benefits
statements into all aspects of the department’s operations. Everything the department
produces includes the benefits and mission statements whether it be the city newsletter
and recreation guide, a program brochure, an advertisement in the local newspaper, the
department’s monthly cable television program, flyers, banners or other promotional
materials. Mr. Al-Oboudi often provides interviews for the department’s cable television
show explaining how the featured program or activity fulfills one or more of the core
mission areas and why it is important to the community. In addition, staff trainings
indoctrinate leaders with the VIP Action Plan statements and programs are created and
evaluated for their adherence to this plan.
As a coalition and community builder, Mr. Al-Oboudi has a strong track record in the
City for his accomplishments. He has worked with community groups to solve a variety
of concerns. At one park (Sand Dune) neighbors were upset by its over usage and the
unruly behavior of those who used it. He helped them communicate to City Council the
need for a park ranger and new park rules. For another group of citizens interested in
dog issues he helped develop an off-leash dog run and zones for dogs and their owners
to walk through in several other parks. Mr. Al-Oboudi has also had a significant impact
on the refurbishment of many parks and facilities in the City and worked with other
citizens and neighborhood groups to accomplish these programs and effectively build
consensus.
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
As the developer of programs, Mr. Al-Oboudi is innovative and results oriented. In his
quest to create community through people, parks and programs he has established
some of the most interesting and entertaining programs in the recreation profession.
The list is long but includes: An award-winning Pumpkin Race Festival, held in
conjunction with the downtown business association’s “Trick or Treat” event; a “Healthy
Snacks Initiative for the Afterschool Playground Program,” held in conjunction with the
local farmers market vendors; a Family Campout, held at a City park; a Fishing Derby
held at a local pond; a holiday crafts night workshop which brings families together for
an evening of holiday cheer; an exercise program for new mothers and their babies
called The Buggy Brigade; a Kite Flying Day at the Beach; and an intensive fitness
program on the beach called GI Joe Boot Camp. These are just a few of the many
programs Mr. Al-Oboudi has introduced over the years.
Research:
It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that in 2004 Mr. Al-Oboudi headed up the
CPRS Youth Sports & Fitness Task Force which created a partnership with the National
Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) to prepare a roadmap for state agencies to easily
incorporate and implement its strategies into their own programs. The National Alliance
for Youth Sports (NAYS) is America's leading advocate for positive and safe sports and
activities for children. NAYS offers programs and services for everyone involved in
youth sports experiences, including professional administrators, volunteer
administrators, volunteer coaches, officials, parents and young athletes. Using the
strategies from NAYS and the core mission statements from CPRS Mr. Al-Oboudi and
his task force provided a modality for revamping and re-directing the youth sports
experience in California municipalities and organizations. The plan was rolled out in the
Fall of 2005 and will be implemented statewide starting in the spring of 2006.
Leadership:
Mr. Al-Oboudi is a 23-year member of CPRS and a long-time member of NRPA. He
has served the CPRS membership in many areas, and is the current Education
Program Chair for the 2008, CPRS Conference, serving in the same capacity in 2004.
He has been an advisor for CPRS’s Director of Education for the CPRS 2003-2006
conferences. He was elected as the Southern California CPRS Administrators Section
Representative from 2003-2005.
Awards:
Mr. Al-Oboudi is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards of state, national and
international notoriety and acclaim. In March 2006 he received the California Park &
Recreation Society’s Citation Award that recognizes outstanding contributions to CPRS
and the parks, recreation, and/or human serves profession. Idris was honored for his
contributions to the profession and commitment to the “Creating Community VIP Action
Plan.” In 2005 and 2006, Idris received CPRS’s President’s Award for outstanding
leadership and dedicated service to the parks and recreation profession in California.
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
Public Relations:
Mr. Al-Oboudi brings a unique multi-cultural world view to his visionary, imaginative and
exciting presentations. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, as the sixth son of the renowned
diplomat and Professor Jassim Al-Oboudi, who was the first Arab and Muslim to receive
with distinction the highest degrees in theater arts from the west. His mother, Margaret
Ann Al-Oboudi is a highly respected theater arts instructor, human rights and peace
activist. With this cultural and theatrical heritage and his experience as a world traveler,
poet, writer, artist, and educator, Mr. Al-Oboudi easily captivates an audience. Recent
lectures have included:
--OPRA Conference 2007: Becoming Vital: CPRS Vision Insight Plan in Action.
--Reitz Marketing & Revenue Sources Management School, September 2007: Vision
Insight Planning: My Plan to Create Community.
--California League of Cities 2007: Is Your City Prepared for a Youth Sports Program?
--CPRS Conference, March 2007: Easy & Practical Implementation of The
CPRS/NAYS Youth Sports & Fitness Initiative.
--CPRS Conference, March 2007: Three Easy, Fast & Effective VIP Implementation
Tools.
--NRPA, Revenue Marketing School 2006: Begin with the End in Mind: VIP Workshop.
--CPRS, 2005: The CPRS/NAYS Youth Sports & Fitness Initiative.
--CPRS Conference, March, 2005: VIP Strategies in Action: Communicating the Vision
& Mission
--CPRS Conference, Marsh, 2005: VIP Strategies in Action: Begin with the End in
Mind
--CPRS Conference, March, 2004: Young, Alert & Aware Program
--CPRS Conference, March, 2004: Creating Pluralistic Communities
--CPRS Conference, March, 2004: Become Vital; Re-position Your Services to Create
Community
--ICH Leadership Workshop, May, 2005: Live, Learn, Love and Leave a Legacy
Education:
Mr. Al-Oboudi is a frequent contributor to leadership workshops and meetings on
recreation issues in local colleges, universities, California cities, community
organizations, CPRS, NRPA and nation wide organizations. He developed a proto type
frame work for “Vision Insight Planning and Programming” (purpose-driven
programming). This tool was further developed and adopted for community and youth
recreation, cultural and social activities of the Islamic community nationally and
internationally. This is the first “Vision Insight Planning Programming” tool developed
for Muslim organizations worldwide. This groundbreaking work is a prelude to a
comprehensive initiative Mr. Al-Oboudi is envisioning, espousing and creating for the
Muslim community in the US.
It is with deep gratitude, appreciation and respect that the City of Manhattan Beach
nominates Mr. Al-Oboudi for this NRPA Pacific Southwest Regional Distinguished
Service Award.
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
Abstract of Biographical Statement:
Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi, has worked in the field of recreation for the past 26 years.
He is currently the Manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Manhattan Beach in
California.
Idris is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and received state, national and
international notoriety and acclaim. In March 2006 Idris received the CPRS Citation
Award which recognizes outstanding contributions that significantly affect the parks and
recreation profession on a regional, sectional, state and national level. In 2004 Mr. Al-
Oboudi was the first chair of CPRS’s Youth Sports and Fitness Task Force that is
tasked with providing modality, revamping and re-directing the youth sports experience
in California municipalities and organizations. The plan was rolled out in 2005 and is
being implemented nationwide.
Mr. Al-Oboudi is a 23-year member of CPRS and a long-time member of NRPA. He
has served the CPRS membership in many areas, and is the current Education
Program Chair of the 2008 CPRS Conference, having served in the same capacity in
2004. He has been and advisor for the CPRS Director of Education for the CPRS
2003-2006 conferences. He was elected as Southern California CPRS Administrators
Section representative in 2003 to 2005.
Idris is a frequent contributor to leadership workshops and meetings on recreation,
human development, leadership, strategic planning, communications, cultural and
current event issues in local collages, universities, cities, community organizations,
CPRS, NAYS and NRPA.
Born in Baghdad Iraq, Idris was a gifted child and selected to attend a distinguished
Soviet/Russian school for music and ballet. He was also selected as a scholarship
student to study in the Soviet Union. In his youth and as a young adult Idris was
involved with premier and groundbreaking international dance, theatrical and cinematic
productions.
Idris is a world traveler, poet, writer, artist, educator, civil servant, public speaker,
entrepreneur, human rights, and peace activist. He is the son of renowned diplomat,
professor Jassim Al-Oboudi (1925-1989), founder, pioneer and noted pillar of the Iraqi
and Arab theater (professor Jassim Al-Oboudi in 1948 was the first Arab and Muslim to
receive with distinction the highest degrees in theater arts from the west.)
Idris brings a unique multi-cultural world view to his visionary, imaginative and exciting
manifestation of this profession.
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
Testimonials:
Dear Idris: Although I haven’t written often to you, I continue to be impressed and proud of
all of your involvement and activities in support of our profession. I cannot think of anyone
who is a more tireless and passionate ambassador of the importance of parks and
recreation in building community and changing people’s lives for the better. You have my
respect, admiration and appreciation.
Mike Shellito, Assistant City Manager/Community Services Director, City of Roseville
The California Park & Recreation Society’s Citation Award recognizes outstanding contributions to CPRS
and the parks, recreation, and/or human serves profession. The recipient’s contributions significantly
affect the parks & recreation profession on a regional, sectional, state & national level. This 2005 Citation
Award recipient is being honored for his contributions to the profession and commitment to the Creating
Community VIP Action Plan. Around the City of Manhattan Beach, where he has worked to for the
past 20 years, Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi is known for his creative programming ideas and results-oriented
solutions to community problems…Please join me in recognizing Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi as a 2005 CPRS
Citation Award recipient for his outstanding leadership, creativity, and dedication to park & recreation
profession.
Jane H. Adams, CPRS Executive Director
The next Presidential Award is presented to Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services
Manager for the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department. If there were
ever a “Poster Child” needed to represent the VIP plan in implementation, Idris would be
the person. He has further assumed the leadership of the CPRS Youth Sports and Fitness
Task Force which serves to provide a new vision for the delivery of youth sports programs
in municipalities and organizations. Idris is also recognized as somewhat of a
Renaissance Man, bringing together a unique multicultural background that includes
theatre arts, human rights advocacy and world traveler experiences. Please join me in
congratulation Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi for his outstanding advocacy of our profession.
Sheila Canzian, Director, San Mateo Parks and Recreation
Idris has always been there for us (SCRPA) when we have begun to implement the VIP training
throughout our state. His positive and “can do” attitude is refreshing and one we all can learn from. It is
one that I can benefit both personally and professionally from. His openness and creativity on moving the
message of what our profession does is to be commended. If our profession had more Idris’s, we all
would be better off.
James E. Headley, CPRP, Executive Director SCRPA
(Idris’) contributions from my vantage point have been to the profession and thus to the people of this
country. No profession impacts as many people as Parks and Recreation. Idris' ability to convey this
message and the benefits imparted by Parks and Recreation have empowered other professionals in their
daily efforts to serve their communities. Idris tirelessly spends untold hours of personal time to travel and
speak with hundreds of professionals giving them tools to better serve their customers. People respond
to Idris and put his proven ideas into action improving their performance and the lives of their community
members.
Barry Weiss, Director, San Carlos Parks and Recreation
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2007-2008
CPRS and NRPA Awards
The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department / will receive three
awards, for the work of Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi Recreation Manager at the upcoming
CPRS Conference in Long Beach, February, 26 to February, 29, 2008.. One state
(CPRS) and two national (NRPA) awards.
The state award is from CPRS for the following
The 2007 Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival will receive the:
CPRS Recreation & Community Services Award; Neighborhood/Community Life
(Population: 20,001-50,000) Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi Recreation Manager.
This award: Recognizes excellence in recreation and community services
program planning that encourages recreation participation, strengthens
community image and sense of place, strengthens safety and security,
promotes health and wellness, increases cultural unity, fosters human
development, and facilitates community problem solving. The entry is
judged on how programs, services, or special events involved citizens as
partners to facilitate community problem solving to enhance or improve
neighborhood and/or community life.
The awards banquet will be Feb. 29 at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency Hotel at
6:30 pm (during the CPRS Conference)
The national awards are from the NPRA Pacific Southwest Regional Council
For the following:
Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi, will receive the:
Professional Distinguished Service Award
This award: This is the highest award bestowed by the NRPA Pacific
Southwest Regional Council. It recognizes professionals in the Region
who have consistently given outstanding service to the park, recreation and
conservation movement on the State, National and in the case of Mr. Al-
Oboudi the international level. Parks & recreation professionals from
throughout the United States provided testimonials for Mr. Al-Oboudi’s
nomination detailing the impact of his work. Award recipients have made
recurring and valuable contributions to the parks and recreation field in the
following areas of leadership, research, job performance, education and
public relations.
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Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
2008 NRPA Southwest Region Awards Program
Distinguished Service: Professional Award Submission
Nominee: Idris Al-Oboudi, Recreation Services Manager, City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department
The 2007 Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival will receive the:
Program Excellence Award: Special Event Mr. Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi
Recreation Manager.
This award: Recognizes agencies and persons within the field of
recreation/leisure services for their program excellence. The event is to
appeal to localized population, involved several staff and volunteers, cover
a span of time and have some measure of success (which can include
number of persons served, number of spectators, costs effectiveness, low
cost per participant, media exposure, letters of appreciation, and
community health and wellness or inclusivity benefits).
The awards reception will be held on Feb. 28 at the Long Beach Hyatt
Regency Hotel at 7:30 pm (during the CPRS Conference)
Please note that Mr. Al-Oboudi is the CPRS 2008 Conference Program
Chair and will be the Key note speaker for the Aging and Therapeutic
CPRS Section institute on February, 26, 2008. Please consult the CPRS
2008 Conference Program and Schedule of events at www.cprs.org .
Charlotte Marshall
CharMarPR Productions
310-379-6104
Charmarpr@aol.com
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