National Wildlife Federation Be Out There
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National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There™ Movement to Get Children Playing & Learning Outdoors
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GP RED Talk at the 2012 Invitational Think Tank, July 2012, Denver, Colorado
Transcript of National Wildlife Federation Be Out There
National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There™ Movement to
Get Children Playing & Learning Outdoors
Americans spend less time outdoors today than ever in history.
The Challenge
• 2 hours and 21 minutes• 4 hours and 25 minutes• 7 hours and 38 minutes • 9 hours and 02 minutes
How much time do children ages 8 – 18 spend plugged into electronic media per day?
7 hours and 38 minutes
Obesity (% of pop.)
Overweight (% of pop.)
Colorado 18% 37%
U.S. 24% 37%Obesity: By Body Mass Index
0
5
10
15
20
25
1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004
Years
Med
ian
%
Nationwide
Colorado
Source: BRFSS, 2007. (SCORP)
Physical Health
heart disease high blood pressure sleep disorders liver disease metabolic syndrome high cholesterol asthma orthopedic and joint
complications mental health
problems eating disorders type 2 diabetes
Physical Inactivity = Obesity =
Mental Health + Emotional Wellbeing
Education
Reason for Not Spending More Time Outdoors
% of Respondents (6-19 yrs. Old)
More involved in indoor sports
38%
Neighborhood does not have good access
25%
Don't have anyone to play outdoors with
22%
No transportation 21%
It is not safe to play or do sports outside
13%
Source: NSRE, IRIS, 2007-2009. N= 900.
Never in human history
The Impacts
• Declining visitation at recreation sites
• Hunting and fishing license sales are stagnant
• Impacts to tourism, economy, and community
• Declining sense of stewardship
Summer Vacation?
Ahhh Summer Vacation
But I Don’t Want to Go
Outside!
Be Out There Vision
Keep families connected to the outdoors to raise healthier kids and
inspire a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature
1. Policy 2. Parents 3. Programs
PARTNERS
Be Out There Goals
Statewide Action
More Policy Solutions
• Restore Recess Campaign
• Increase or protect Federal Funding for Agencies through Annual Appropriations Process
• Pass the No Child Left Inside Act: Environmental Education at K-12 Level, State Environmental Literacy State Plans
• Incorporate Time Outdoors into School Wellness Plans
• Pass Other Authorizing Bills to Support Connecting Children with Nature
MT
WY
ID
WA
OR
NV
UT
CA
AZ
ND
SD
NE
CO
NM
TX
OK
KS
AR
LA
MO
IA
MN
WI
IL IN
KY
TN
MS AL GA
FL
SC
NC
VAWV
OH
MINY
PA
MD
DE
NJCT
RI
MA
ME
VT
NH
HI
AK
Policy Secured
Active in Coalition
Involved in Grassroots Movement
Be Out There State Policy Campaign
NWF Regional Office
Helping Parents Be Out There
Educating and engaging new audiences: PSAs
Educating and engaging new audiences: PSAs
Educating and engaging new audiences: PSAs
Expanding Social Media Outreach
Active Online Community
www.beoutthere.org
www.greenhour.org
Online Resources
www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife
www.nwf.org/schoolyard/
Great American Backyard Campout
Annual, nationwide effort to re-connect children and families to nature.
Helping Educators Be Out There
Activities
National Wildlife Week Event
www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch
Expanding Local Resources
www.nwf.org/NatureFind
Whole Communities - Part of the Solution
Join the Movement:
Julie GustafsonSenior Regional
Education ManagerNational Wildlife
