Outdoors Alliance for Kids

Join us for a Town Hall meeting with communication expert Kristen Grimm. We will share the results of our survey on the impact of government cutbacks and turn it over to Kristen to share guidance on effective communication strategies for schools, nonprofits, and others working in environmental education during these turbulent times. We'll also save time for your questions. You can register for this free, interactive webinar hosted by NAAEE and Spitfire Strategies at: bit.ly/TownHallMarch21.

We're saddened by the news that Representative Raul M. Grijalva passed away earlier this week. Rep. Grijalva was a champion for public lands, equity and inclusion, and children. His legacy is tremendous and it's an understatement to say that he will be missed. Photo: OAK members delivering the OAK Tree award to the congressman.

This week, OAK's steering committee got together to advocate for programs and policies to get kids outside, and plan for how to expand our impact in this challenging year. There's a lot to come, so stay tuned! Sierra Club, YMCA of the USA, Trust for Public Land, Justice Outside, Children & Nature Network, Latino Outdoors, The Wilderness Society, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), KABOOM! and more...

This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating a few Black women who have broken barriers and paved the way for more accessible outdoor spaces. From conservationists and mountaineers to environmental activists and marine biologists, these trailblazers have helped shape the way we all connect with nature today. ?????? Head to our blog to learn more about who they are and how they inspire us to keep pursuing our mission to change the narrative of who can recreate in the outdoors and re-strengthen Black connections to land, water, and wildlife: https://lnkd.in/gTiCqfnq Who inspires you? Tag them in the comments! ?? #InternationalWomensDay #TrailblazingWomen #OutdoorAfro

Under the current U.S. administration, programs related to the environment and those focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion are facing federal staffing and funding cuts. Given the uncertainty, now is the time to work on local and state-level public policies — our collective voice is critical in maintaining the resources necessary to connect children to nature and protect our natural areas. Read more about the latest government and policy news in our February Policy Update. https://bit.ly/3TuJdHa #PolicyUpdate #WhiteHouse #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #FederalFunding #Community #ChildrenAndNature

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? A quick 10-minute break outside can make a huge difference in your day. Here’s why stepping into nature is the easiest (and free!) reset: 1?? Lowers Stress – Nature helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes relaxation. 2?? Boosts Focus – Just a short break outdoors can improve attention and creativity. 3?? Improves Mood – Fresh air + movement = a natural mood booster! 4?? Supports Your Health – Being outside lowers blood pressure and improves overall well-being. So take a breath, step outside, and let nature do its thing. How will you get your 10-minute reset today? ?? #OutdoorAfro #StressRelief #MentalHealth #NatureReset

??Justice Outside is looking for new community members to join our board! The Justice Outside Board encompasses leaders from across nonprofit and for-profit sectors who are dedicated and passionate about the organization’s mission to advance racial equity and justice in the outdoors. Interested in joining? Complete the application below by making a copy of the document, filling it out, and sending it along with a current resume to Justice Outside’s Director of Development, Danielle Wolfrum at [email protected] by March 31, 2025! Click the link in our comments to get started!

Join Our Team as a Paid Summer Intern! Apply by April 6. Want to help shape how philanthropy impacts access to the outdoors? Blue Sky Funders Forum is hiring a Paid Membership Intern to support our engagement efforts and grow a network of funders investing in meaningful outdoor experiences for all. If you enjoy research, strategy, and community building, we’d love to hear from you! Read the full job description: https://lnkd.in/grWSYa8i What You’ll Do: ? Research and assess prospective members ? Help shape an outreach strategy to expand our network ? Support implementation of a new CRM system (Salesforce) ? Gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, nonprofit engagement, and equity-focused coalition building Details: ??? 12–16 weeks, starting June 2 (flexible) ? 15–20 hours per week ?? Remote (U.S.-based, East Coast time preferred) ?? $20/hour Who Should Apply? This role is perfect for students, recent grads, or professionals with experience in philanthropy, communications, environmental education, outdoor equity, or social impact work. If you're a detail-oriented researcher with strong communication skills and a passion for outdoor access, we want to hear from you! How to Apply: Send a cover letter + resume to [email protected] with the subject “2025 Internship” by April 6 at 11:59 PM PT. All applicants will be notified whether or not they are invited to interview by April 25. Read the full job description: https://lnkd.in/grWSYa8i

In fewer than 100 days, the Trump administration has taken several actions that will create barriers for children, youth and families across America to experience the joys of nature. From executive orders that rescind environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, to federal spending freezes, to the termination of thousands of employees responsible for stewarding our federal lands and waters, actions by this administration are having intended and unintended consequences across our outdoor movement. Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) is a national strategic alliance of more than 100 member organizations who advocate for and deliver programming that reduce common barriers children and families face to experience the outdoors. We know many of our members rely on federal resources to deliver high impact and cost-effective programs in communities across America. The basic institutions we have come to rely on, to both protect our lands and deliver outdoor programming, are under threat and we need to better understand the impact of these executive decisions on our OAK members, partners and allies across the field. We are looking for stories from our members, partners, allies and the individuals we each serve to share with decision-makers in Congress.?Please help us better understand the?impact these executive actions and funding decisions are having on your organizations and the young people you serve.