Outdoor Equity Network
Challenge
Historically, organizations that connect youth to the outdoors have lacked data demonstrating how outdoor-based programming contributes to social sector outcomes. This data gap makes it more difficult for these groups to increase philanthropic and policy support for experiences that may inaccurately be seen as nice to have, but not critical for youth development and wellbeing.
Action
In an effort to build the case for programs that leverage the healing power of nature and Indigenous values to promote youth development, LBC Action facilitated the formation of the Outdoor Equity Network, which now includes LBC Action partners Fresh Tracks, Native Americans in Philanthropy, The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, and Y BOLD & GOLD. The Outdoor Equity Network has worked with LBC Action Partners Camp Fire and Wilderness Inquiry to gather data on the tangible impact of their programs on social and emotional health.
Impact
Thanks to this data and silo breaking strategy for systems change, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is using this information to educate legislators, fostering deeper public support for programs that increase access to the outdoors in their districts. The leadership of Native Americans in Philanthropy and the Aspen Institute Opportunity Youth Forum uses the data and policy wins to influence and accelerate philanthropies commitment to social and emotional health that increase individual and community level wellbeing outcomes.
Partners
Services
- Landscape and Discovery
- Action Plan
- Facilitation
- Matchmaking and Compatibility Assessment
