I'm looking for folks in the Affiliate Network to complete a short survey about youth outdoor education and engagement by September 20. This survey will take you through a draft policy framework that will drive state-level policy to support youth outdoor engagement and education across the U.S. Your feedback will help to inform a new state policy “Playbook” that we hope will be a useful to you in your state advocacy efforts. The playbook will include:
• Exemplary policies, programs, and approaches that already exist in many states (e.g., model legislation for providing grants to support outdoor learning or establishing outdoor school for all) and case studies that can serve as models for others.
• Detailed information for legislators about the economic benefits that can be derived at the district level from their support of environmental education and outdoor recreation – including jobs creation, and business revenues.
• Shared database of legislation that allows legislators and advocates see specific legislation that has passed in states throughout the country.

NAAEE is engaged in this work in partnership with the Meridian Institute, Outdoors Alliance for Kids, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, and Children & Nature Network, with generous support from the Pisces Foundation and REI. Your feedback on the draft, as well as state-level policy ideas that you are familiar with for increasing outdoor access for children will help make this a valuable tool for the field. We appreciate your feedback.