March Newsletter
Guest User
Political Momentum for Getting Kids Outdoors!
Ironically, I was camping with my own kids when the much anticipated Every Kid in a Park initiative was announced last month. President Obama's pledge to provide all fourth grade students and their families' free admission for a year to national parks and other federal lands and waters signaled a major policy shift in support of our efforts to get kids outdoors. I was late to the breaking news...I guess I should go camping more often!
Here in California, the political momentum was furthered by Assembly Bill 988, introduced just a week later by Assembly Member Mark Stone (D - Monterey Bay) and Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D - San Diego). The proposed legislation would provide education about the environment and outdoor recreation for California children, prioritizing opportunities for underserved and at-risk students. In introducing the concept, Stone said, "In many underserved communities, participation in outdoor environmental education and recreation programs are the only exposure kids have to nature and the environment."
And lastly, Secretary Jewell continues to champion the cause by attracting corporate partners to support her Play, Learn, Serve, and Work initiative. Most recently American Express signed on to the tune of $5M to support work in 50 cities!
We're encouraged and working hard to position Outdoors Empowered Network and our member affiliates to leverage and support these exciting initiatives!
Help us get more kids outdoors. Donate now!
Save-the-Date!
Our 2015 National Summit is coming. November 4-8, San Francisco. Read more >>
Looking for an outdoors skills training near you?
Check out what our member affiliates are doing in the SF Bay Area, Boise, Chicago, Seattle, and Southern California. Read more >>
In the News!
Our member affiliate, Washington Trails Association, is featured in the April issue of Sunset Magazine, on newstands now (shown on the left).
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