Outdoors for All is committed to getting people outside because nature is a powerful healer. Getting outdoors benefits not only our mental and physical health but also the health of our society. But not everyone has access to the transformative power of the outdoors. Nature and the opportunity to play outdoors are becoming a luxury item in our society, accessible only to the privileged few. Just like our school systems are divided by class and race, so are our neighborhoods -- meaning that low-income families are significantly less likely to live near a local park. Whole generations of children in communities of color and low-income families are growing up without access to the benefits of getting outdoors.
But all across the world, people are reconnecting with nature. Communities impacted by trauma benefit hugely from the healing power of nature, which is why veterans have come together through our Military Outdoors program to help fellow veterans heal in the wilderness. Youth are finding connections to nature and each other through our Inspiring Connections to the Outdoors program. Local communities are restoring green spaces near where people actually live through our Nearby Nature program, to increase everyday access to nature and give kids and families a chance to play outdoors on a regular basis. The Outdoors Alliance for Kids has brought together organizations from across the political divide to ensure that this generation of kids doesn’t miss their chance for a childhood rich with outdoor adventure. And all across the Sierra Club and the outdoors movement folks are working together to build skills, train each other, and support the next generation of environmental advocates. The Sierra Club alone trains over one thousand people each year to help others get outdoors, and we’re just one part of the global movement to create equitable access to the outdoors for all.
Outdoors for All is working toward a just, equitable, and sustainable future where all people benefit from a healthy thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. A future where all people breathe fresh air, drink clean water, and regularly spend time outdoors. A future where public health professionals prescribe time in nature to improve health and wellness, and where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn outdoors. In this future, people will find community, peace, and internal strength through a connection to nature. And along the way, a new generation of leaders will be inspired to protect and restore our lands, waters, wildlife, and communities.
Learn more about Sierra Club’s programs and partnerships to expand access to the outdoors: Military Outdoors, Nearby Nature, and the Outdoors Alliance for Kids.