The Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK), a national strategic partnership of more than 120 organizations, announced new additions to its steering committee. The new committee launches alongside a new website as OAK reaffirms its commitment to connecting children, youth and families with the outdoors, ensuring millions of kids can improve their health and wellbeing through a connection to nature..
“From the beginning, a broad and diverse leadership body has shaped OAK’s direction and ensured the alliance fulfills its mission to expand equitable access to nature for children, youth and families,” said Jackie Ostfeld, Co-Founder & Chair of the Outdoors Alliance for Kids. “Over the last decade, with our steering committee at the helm, OAK’s advocacy has led to the establishment of new federal programs, like Every Kid Outdoors program, and the expansion of many more, like the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. As we look ahead to the next decade of impact, I am thrilled to welcome new members to OAK’s steering committee. Together, we will not stop until every child in America can benefit from a connection to the natural world.”
The OAK steering committee welcomes 6 new leaders who will provide support and guidance as OAK works to achieve its goals of improving outdoor access for kids.
- Danielle Owens, The Corps Network
- Jessica Montoya, Trust for Public Land
- Melodie Mendez, Latino Outdoors
- Rena Payan, Justice Outside
- Robert Mayer, KABOOM!
- Sarah Bodor, North American Association of Environmental Education
- Vida James, Appalachian Mountain Club
“I am thrilled to join the Outdoors Alliance for Kids Steering Committee,” said Danielle Owens, The Corps Network Director of Government Relations. “The Corps Network’s mission to ensure all young people have access to meaningful Service and Conservation Corps opportunities aligns so closely with OAK’s work. These last few years have shown how important equitable access to the outdoors is, especially for children and young adults. I look forward to working with OAK and its members on achieving this goal.”
The new members join already established steering committee members and advisors, shown here.
“I am thrilled to be joining the OAK Steering Committee and look forward to lending my experience and perspective to help guide and advance OAK’s policy agenda during my term,” said Sarah Bodor, North American Association of Environmental Education Senior Director of Capacity Building. “I am especially excited about the opportunity to elevate the role of environmental and climate education in improving the lives of youth and breaking down barriers towards a more just and sustainable world.”
“Equitable access to outdoor recreation is one of the most pressing and yet overlooked civil rights issues of today,” said Robert Mayer, KABOOM! Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy. “OAK’s commitment to ensuring all children are able to play outside and be exposed to nature is what makes this coalition a perfect fit for KABOOM!. I’m excited to be a member of its steering committee and helping advance its critically needed work.”
To learn more about the steering committee and about OAK’s work, check out our new website at outdoorsallianceforkids.org.
Contact: Natasha Blakely, natasha.blakely@sierraclub.org
About the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK)
OAK is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with a common interest in connecting children, youth, and families with the outdoors. The members of OAK are brought together by the belief that the wellness of current and future generations, the health of our planet and communities and the economy of the future depend on humans having a personal, direct, and life-long relationship with nature and the outdoors. OAK brings together more than 100 businesses and organizations to address the growing divide between children, youth, and the outdoors. http://www.outdoorsallianceforkids.org
Outdoors Alliance for Kids 