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The World Leisure Academy was established by the World Leisure Organization’s Board of Directors in 2009. It is an international community of distinguished academics and practitioners committed to advancing the role of leisure in society.

The Academy works to foster the conditions that enable leisure to enhance individual and collective wellbeing. Through advocacy, research, and education, it promotes leisure-related issues and recognises those who contribute to advancing the field.

For further information or to submit a nomination or self-nomination for membership, please contact the World Leisure Secretariat.

Specifically, the Academy objectives shall be:

to encourage the study of the phenomena of leisure;
to advance knowledge related to the best professional practices found within leisure service delivery systems;
to serve as a interdisciplinary forum for the scholarly exchange of ideas;
to serve as a forum to discuss issues, provide support, and share information on matters impacting on leisure; and
to acknowledge the contributions of researchers, educators, practitioners and others whose contributions are recognized globally.

Nomination and membership

Nominees for the Academy are distinguished from peers by their sustained record of professional contributions and portfolio which demonstrates international significance. This is manifested through publications; participation in international organizations, associations and societies; and through the creation of internationally recognized initiatives including model demonstration programs and services. Interdisciplinary scholarship, public service and/or professional association engagement which is aligned with the WLO’s strong commitment for social and environmental justice is expected of all nominees. Nominees constitute both Distinguished Scholars and Distinguished Practicing Professionals. They are identified with the following criteria:

Distinguished Scholar

A record of scholarship recognized beyond the boundaries of one’s own country of citizenship which is evident in publications and citations of scholarship produced by others. This qualification may also be evident in translated works including books, academic papers, doctoral dissertations or other manuscripts. A distinguished scholar is one with unquestioned and enduring contributions to intellectual thought and production.

Distinguished Practicing Professional

A distinguished professional career of leadership recognized beyond the boundaries of one’s own country of citizenship. This is reflected in holding elected leadership positions in international organizations, associations and societies. It can also be recognized by the creation and implementation of programs that have attracted international attention and demonstrated positive influence for the advancement of civil society.
Nominees are distinguished from peers by their sustained record of scholarly and professional contributions and portfolio which demonstrates international significance. This is manifested through publications; participation in international organizations, associations and societies; and through the creation of internationally recognized initiatives.

Interdisciplinary Focus

Interdisciplinary scholarship, public service and/or professional association engagement which is aligned with the WLO’s strong commitment for social and environmental justice is expected of all nominees.

A distinguished group of individuals were chosen to provide nominations for the founding members of the World Leisure Academy. They included: Derek Casey (United Kingdom);Gary Ellis (USA); Gerald Fain (USA); Jeong Myung Gim (Republic of Korea); Geof Godbey (USA); Carlos Vera Guardia (Ecuador); Karla Henderson (USA); Francis Lobo (Australia); Pat Long (USA); Mahuidi (The Peoples Republic of China); Wolfgang Nahrstedt (Germany); Ken Roberts (United Kingdom); Tahany A. M. el Sayed (Egypt); Bob Stebbins (Canada); Atara Sivan (Hong Kong) and Ricardo Uvinha (Brazil).

The Academy has three types of membership: 1) Senior Fellows, 2) Emeritus Fellows, and 3) Honoris Causa Fellows. Senior Fellows are individuals who have extensive and significant experience as an educator or practicing professional, is recognized as an outstanding scholar in the leisure service field, and is committed to continuing to advance the goals and ideals of the leisure movement. Emeritus Fellows are individuals who have retired from regular employment and have been previously elected as a Senior Fellow. Honoris Causal Fellows are individuals with distinguished records of service to humankind in the form of civic actions that advance social justice or distinguished records of scholarship that advance social justice consistent with the purposes of the Academy.

Selection of candidates nominated as a Senior Fellow of the Academy is made by a Nominating Committee on a biennial basis and hereafter provided with election by all members of the Academy. On a regular basis any member of the Academy is able to nominate individuals for membership in the Academy. The membership of WLA does not exceed 50 individuals, excluding Honoris Causa Fellows and Emeritus Fellows.

2010 WLA Founding Members