OAK Receives Support from Co-Founder, REI
REI recently announced support for OAK with a gift of $30,000. The grant will help OAK meet our mission to connect children, youth and families with the outdoors.
“Extending our partnership with OAK reinforces REI’s commitment to connect our members and their families to inspiring outdoor places and programs. By working to further develop relationships with local and state agencies, OAK is showcasing its commitment to tackling relevant and important issues to get more children into the outdoors, yielding benefits for generations to come.”
- Taldi Walter, REI Community Affairs Program Manager
Read more from OAK Chair, Jackie Ostfeld.
DOI, The North Face and My Morning Jacket partner to support 21CSC
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Todd Spaletto, President of The North Face, recently announced a partnership to support the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).
The North Face committed $250,000 and also launched a campaign as a key component of the initiative featuring a new recording of Woody Guthrie’s iconic anthem “This Land is Your Land” by two-time Grammy nominee My Morning Jacket. The song will be available on iTunes with more than half of each download going to the 21CSC.
“This partnership with The North Face and My Morning Jacket is really about inspiring and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders and outdoor stewards. The funding will help put young people and veterans to work restoring and protecting our nation’s land, water and wildlife.”
– Secretary Jewell
Read more about the partnership and be sure to download the song today!
New study confirms effectiveness of Safe Routes to School programs In October, a new study published in the Journal of the American Planning Association confirms what those of us in the field have long known: Safe Routes to School programs are effective at increasing rates of walking and bicycling to and from school. The study analyzed travel data from 801 schools and found programs increased active transport to school by 25 percent after five years. Read more on the Safe Routes to School National Partnership blog. |
The Corps Network co-hosting film screening with USDA
Some of the feature films from OAK members include:
- Discovering the Boulder-White Clouds - *PREMIERE* - The Corps Network
- Legacy Camp 2014 - Natural Leaders Network - Children & Nature Network
- NPS Academy in the Great Smoky Mountains - SCA
Learn more and be sure to RSVP!
OAK and Outdoor Afro recognized by NPS The Outdoors Alliance for Kids and OAK member Outdoor Afro received a shout out from National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis for their work to create outdoor experiences for urban youth during a recent diversity and inclusion discussion. Hosted by the National Park Service, the online discussion focused on increasing equity in our national parks. |
New National Monument creates opportunity to connect children and nature
On October 19th President Obama designated the San Gabriel Mountains as a National Monument for future generations.
"Too many children in L.A. County, especially Latinos and children of color, don’t have access to parks where they can run free, breathe fresh air, experience nature, and learn about their own environment."
– President Barack Obama
Read more from President Obama’s Op-Ed in La Opinion.
"Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists" Funding Program Now Open for Proposals!
“Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists” (NextGen) 2015 Request for Proposals is open through December 16, 2014. This funding opportunity is led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and is supported by the USFS, BLM, BOR and private sponsors. The effort is aligned with the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) and provides nearly $2,000,000 in funding to support innovative partnerships that provide meaningful conservation employment for young people.
Read more and see if you have opportunities that align with this program.
Celebrate the people who give back with REI
Know someone who volunteers to protect natural places, inspires others or makes a difference in the outdoors? Nominate them and they could be surprised with special recognition from REI and win$2,500 in gift cards. #givestoke
Learn more and nominate someone for the contest!
OAK Upcoming Events Calendar
November 14, 2014 | The Corps Network Films about Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders |
November 22, 2014 | Sierra Club Outdoors Leader Training 101 |
January 21-24, 2014 | Outdoor Retailer Show |
Is your organization hosting a conference or event that you would like featured on OAK’s event calendar? Submit your request now!
OAK Call and Meeting Calendar
December 9, 2014 - 3:30 - 4:30pm ET (repeats monthly, 2nd Tuesday) | Next State & Local Action Team Call |
December 10, 2014 - 4:00-5:00pm ET (repeats monthly, 2nd Wednesday) | Next National Policy Action Team Call |
December 11, 2014 - 3:00 - 4:00pm ET (repeats monthly, 2nd Thursday) | Next OAK Communications Committee Call |
Help Us Grow OAK
Do you know another business or organization that share’s OAK’s mission to expand the number and quality of opportunities for children, youth and families to connect with the outdoors? Encourage them to become a member and refer them to our Join OAK page!