Whole generations of children in communities of color and low-income families are growing up without access to the benefits of getting outdoors. Youth spend more than 50 hours a week on electronic media and just minutes a day playing outside. When asked about the barriers to spending time outdoors, America’s youth cite lack of nearby access and lack of transportation as some of the top reasons. America’s kids are suffering from a childhood obesity crisis resulting in shorter life expectancies than their parents for the first time in history. Communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to suffer from health disparities and are the least likely to have access to open spaces where they can improve their health and wellness.
To break these barriers, the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program works to reduce barriers to entry by providing gear, transportation, trip fees, and training to ensure that all people have opportunities to explore, enjoy, and advocate for nature.
Find a group near you, or start your own group!