Member Spotlight
IPA USA (The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play)
Founded in 1973, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play became the USA Affiliate (IPA USA) of the International Play Association, a global network focused on ensuring every child’s right to play. IPA USA’s work is guided by Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
IPA USA envisions, “A world where all children can play” with a mission to protect, preserve, and promote the child’s right to play. IPA USA fulfills its mission and vision through a variety of advocacy efforts. Natural Start spoke with Debra Lawrence, IPA USA President, to learn more.
What are some of the ways that you share the value of play with your membership and beyond?
IPA USA hosts weekly “Porch Play Chats” with play experts around the country and across the globe. These chats cover a wide range of topics related to play, including the importance of nature, recess, child-initiated play throughout the day, hands-on learning, and active learning in age groups from infants to college students. Porch Play Chat experts include family childcare, nature-based programs, childcare programs, college professors, pop-up play opportunities, and issues around equity and social justice; all focused on the child’s right to play. These chats are available for FREE on our YouTube Channel, Instagram, Facebook, and now on Spotify. Visit the top right corner of IPAUSA.org. There are over 180 Porch Play Chats available.
IPA USA is in the process of developing a white paper on the importance of play. The organization will soon be recruiting authors on a variety of topics, including “It’s a Child’s Right,” “The Healing Power of Play,” “Nature is Essential,” and more. Look out for a Call for Papers in January 2024! Follow IPA USA on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date.
Do you have any upcoming events that people should be aware of?
IPA USA hosts a National Day of Play each year in the 3rd week of September. The 2023 National Day of Play had over 1400 participants nationwide! The 2024 National Day of Play will take place September 16- 21, 2024, so mark your calendars!
IPA USA also hosts a FREE Town Hall twice per year. The next IPA USA Town Hall is on February 27, 2024, focused on Shifting the Mindset: The Key to Creating Confident Outdoor Guides.
How can people get involved with the organization?
Membership is open to any individual, group, or organization which promotes play as a child’s right. We welcome all who believe in our mission and vision and hope you will join us in advocating for play as a biological necessity and protecting childhood (birth through eighteen). Sign up here. 
Interested in getting involved? Become a member and join one of our committees. Be a play expert on a Porch Play Chat. Write an article for the e-journal, submit a conference proposal for the September 2024 conference, host a National Day of Play, be a featured speaker in a Town Hall, and so many more opportunities.
To learn more about IPA USA, please visit our website at ipausa.org. Email Deb at [email protected] to get involved.
