Words We Use glossary

With a Direct Program Delivery approach, recreation staff choose and offer the programs, events, or initiatives they think are best for community members. Making these choices relevant requires a good understanding of the local community interests, environment, and resources.

The World Health Organization explains 'empowerment' as a process through which people "gain control over the factors and decisions that shape their live" Control is gained by increasing assets and attributes, and building "capacities to gain access, partners, networks and/or a voice."

Features are characteristics (the 'what') of your recreation product, program, service or event (time, location, duration, cost, staff, etc.). 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability resulting from exposure to alcohol before birth.

The Framework for Recreation in Canada (2015) is the national guiding document for public recreation providers in Canada.

An updated was produced in 2024 to reflect the significant changes that took place over almost a decade. The Framework is currently (in 2025) undergoing renewal.

Source: Framework for Recreation in Canada - Canadian Parks & Recreation Association

Goals are broad strategies that are often written to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Goals help to achieve a vision.

In-kind contributions are donations of time, supplies, facility space, etc. that are not cash. This type of contribution is important because it shows community support and it reduces the need for cash revenues to cover program costs.

Inbound Marketing helps your organization or community “get found” by people who want your products and services.

Inclusive refers to recreation programs and services that are open and welcoming to people of all abilities, ages, gender and means. When recreation is inclusive, everyone feels they belong and can contribute.

Indigenous Peoples is a collective noun for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. 

Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. suggest, that regardless of terminology, “always go with what people are calling themselves”.