COMMITTEE UPDATE (FIRST QUARTER): ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP


What projects and/or tasks did the committee work on?
The committee developed the format and curricular for its first webinar, which was held in early April. It engaged members in a lively discussion about Earth Day and allowed people to share ideas and resources for celebrating this year, with so many changes out there because of COVID-19. A special reflection tool was created and shared out to members, in follow-up to this webinar, for use by members in their respective programs. The environmental member survey was also conducted and the data was analyzed to help inform the committee's goals for 2020 and next steps for engaging in the larger industry and bringing information back to members that they care most about.

Describe how the committee’s work during the reporting period connects to AORE’s strategic framework as well as trends and issues happening in the larger outdoor industry.
The committee continue to build its network within the outdoor industry, working to engage on larger national outreach efforts, where possible. It will require time to invest in these relationships and learn how best to collaborate and share resources, knowledge, and support. The committee also conducted a member survey to identify key challenges and opportunities that members are experiencing around environmental issues in their programs and the larger industry. Results of this survey include input from members across the country. It was found that top concerns are mainly food waste, plastic use, transportation, and the general high cost to becoming more environmentally friendly. Many members also noted apathy from higher up in their chain of command, making it difficult for them to get traction with environmental initiatives.


The committee will be hosting another webinar for AORE members later this year. The topic and format is still being determine. Additionally, the committee will once again lead the charge on helping members to participate in a day of volunteer service as a part of National Public Lands Day of Service on September 26, 2020. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. More details will be shared with members on how they can celebrate this special day as the date gets closer and more is known about what will be possible, given the current global pandemic.