NAAEE Conference 2024
Laura Flores (Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E), Megan Fink (NAAEE), and Grant Gliniecki (NCEL)
Bridging the Gap for Youth Outdoor Engagement: A Recap of an Empowering Conference Session
It was standing room only at the Youth Outdoor Engagement: Policy Trends & Opportunities breakout session at this year's environmental education conference. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Laura Flores (Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E), Grant Gliniecki (NCEL), and Megan Fink (NAAEE), the session brought together passionate folks from all corners of the country, each eager to explore the future of youth outdoor engagement and the policies that can make it more accessible for all.
A Packed House with a Big Mission
The session kicked off with a strong focus on the Youth Outdoor Policy Partnerships, an exciting collaboration of national organizations working together across sectors to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience the outdoors in meaningful ways. This partnership is more than just a collection of ideas—it's about creating tangible tools, such as a policy playbook and an annual trends report, to help legislators and advocates push for outdoor learning and recreation opportunities that are equitable and accessible to every child.
One key takeaway? The momentum around engaging local legislators to support outdoor education initiatives is tangible. It’s clear that policy change on the national level must be mirrored by action at the local level, where passionate advocates can create change that’s felt in every community.
Building Bridges to Opportunity
As the conference theme echoed Pittsburgh's iconic bridges, this session embodied the spirit of "Building Bridges" by highlighting ways to break down barriers to outdoor access. It wasn’t just about discussing policies—it was about forging connections to ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to high-quality outdoor experiences.
Among the most exciting ideas shared were the creation of a local equity fund and the National Outdoor Opportunity Fund, which would provide much-needed resources to grassroots organizations that are already doing incredible work getting kids outdoors. These funds would empower local initiatives and expand the reach of outdoor education to underserved communities, creating a ripple effect that could transform the future of outdoor engagement.
What's Next?
The conversation didn’t end there. The energy in the room was contagious, and there’s a lot more to come. Stay tuned for an upcoming online discussion to keep the momentum going, dive deeper into the trends, and continue the important work of bridging the gap between youth and the outdoors.
As we reflect on the connections made during the session, it’s clear that, just like Pittsburgh’s bridges, our collective efforts will unite us in creating a future where every child has access to the outdoors. The road ahead is one we can all travel together, and with every bridge we build, we’ll be one step closer to a more equitable, nature-filled future for our youth.
-Laura Flores
